Music / Reviews
Review: YĪN YĪN, Bristol Beacon – ‘A fast-paced cosmic disco sound’
The psychedelic, disco-infused sounds of Maastricht and beyond touched down at the Beacon’s Lantern Hall in emphatic fashion, as YĪN YĪN arrived on their Yatta album release tour.
YĪN YĪN are a band that refuse to be confined to boundaries. The Dutch group have built a reputation for fusing a wide range of sounds, most notably drawing on influences from Southeast Asian music.
The band commands a largely cosmic sound– they invite the listener to indulge into unfamiliar sonic territory, incorporating unique instrumentation such as vintage synthesisers and traditional Asian strings.
What emerges is a style that takes the surf-rock psychedelia of Khruangbin, the groove of Altin Gün and wraps it up into a vintage, 70s-inspired four-piece outfit that operates in its own distinct lane.
The group arrived in Bristol off the back of the release of their latest album, Yatta – a project that builds on their Southeast Asian influences and doubles down on dancefloor-ready rhythms.
From a brief look around the crowd, it became clear that the band had assembled a mishmash of people who have quite obviously never shared a room before, and quite obviously never will again.
From Woodstock-ready hippies and emo-clad teenagers to pensioners and office party night-outers, it was almost impossible to nail down the average YĪN YĪN fan.
If anything, it’s a testament to the widespread reach of the band’s sound, but I couldn’t help but feel puzzled as to where the common ground was.
As the lights dimmed, a voice in that old-school broadcast-era American accent started speaking the words from Yatta’s opening track In Search of Yang, layered with hazy, atmospheric textures, before the group appeared on stage and fully dropped into the song.
The band donned a style as retro as their sound – long, wavy barnets, loose, free-flowing blazers, and trousers that completed the look. A look almost reminiscent of your Dad trying to live out his glory days at the office party, but far less cool.
Things moved on quickly with the band wasting no time in transitioning seamlessly into the album’s second song, Spirit Adapter. Energy was high, the crowd was impressively mobile, and, while I hate using such a cliche line, YĪN YĪN provided a real statement of intent for the rest of the evening.
Following the track’s conclusion, it was time for some chit-chat. The band thanked the Bristol crowd for coming out and expressed disbelief that the show was sold out.
They shared a newfound love for England discovered while touring and shared how they’ve enjoyed making new best friends in each new city every night. How delightful.
Up next was the track Elma, a song that is signature YĪN YĪN – Eastern melodies, groovy rhythms and a spacey, synth-infused atmosphere.
It wasn’t just songs from Yatta that the crowd was treated to; fan-favourites like Shēnzhou V. and One Inch Punch saw the grooves step up a notch even further. It’s impressive feeling the floor vibrate beneath you with every jump of the crowd in the Lantern Hall.
With the evening drawing to a close, I found myself dwelling on three things.
First, these fellas sure are talented. Their ability to create such a fast-paced ‘cosmic disco’ sound, improvise on the spot and bring roof-raising energy is truly unique.
Second, I love Bristol’s live music scene. It attracts people from all walks of life – far and wide – and that is something to be celebrated.
Third, and perhaps most importantly – oh my god it is hot in that room. I always find myself leaving Lantern Hall sweating profusely and somehow never learn my lesson to dress in airier clothing.
That being said, can someone at Beacon please turn the heating down next time – it would be greatly appreciated.
All images: YĪN YĪN
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