There’s a buzz about New York alt-rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs once again, and not just because their long-awaited fourth album is named Mosquito.
With just two records released since 2003’s debut long-player Fever To Tell, no-one could call the trio prolific.
But four years on from It’s Blitz!, the band are rejuvenated and ready to embark on a world tour that takes them to Manchester Apollo on May 1.
Renowned for front-woman Karen O’s eccentric appearance (she’s gone bleach-blonde for this album) and dramatic stage-shows, the band have been selling out venues since their inception in 2000.
O has bemoaned the lack of charisma, sexuality and gnarl in today’s bands compared to those around a decade ago, so you know exactly what you’re going to get at a Yeah Yeah Yeahs show.
When they burst onto the scene in 2003, fans were drawn in by Nick Zinner’s spiky guitar riffs and maybe a little scared by O’s spitting vocals.
Then came Maps, standout track from their debut album, it showed a softer side to the band and gave many new listeners a way into the record.
Though they may have gone a bit more electronic over the years (who hasn’t), O and her band mates still possess the ability to shock.
Sacrilege, lead single from Mosquito, has all the hall-marks of a Yeah Yeah Yeahs song, Zinner’s high-pitched guitar, O’s haunting yet aggressive voice and Brian Chase’s understated drumming.
Yet it reaches its rousing finish with a little help from a gospel choir, not many would have predicted that in anticipation of hearing it for the first time – but it works.
The album is released on April 15, giving plenty of time for the crowd to familiarise itself with what O is calling Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ ‘soul’ album.
Circle seats are still available for the show at GigsandTours.com
Picture courtesy of neate photos via Flickr, with thanks
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