Yeasayer / Ipso Facto

The ICA is a strange little venue to say the least. Embedded deep within a nest of imposing government buildings mere metres away from Trafalgar Square, the venue is a quaint little arts centre in which it's safe to assume that the average punter is more likely to be a thespian critic than a music fan.

Nonetheless, music fan is exactly the type of person in attendance tonight, and there is an impressive range of individuals filing into the building well before psychedelic electro outfit Yeasayer take to the stage. The labyrinth-like building features a number of bars and performance halls, and the tannoy system that is used to remind the audience of the impending 'show' only adds to the curious spectacle of the occasion.

In fact, there is already a considerable gaggle of young students, old rockers and most things in between as Ipso Facto arrive and attempt to warm up the crowd. It isn't entirely difficult to understand their position as support tonight; their blend of Ladytron-inspired power pop is the perfect preparation for the somewhat eccentric theatrics of the headliners, and though the relatively dormant throng in front of them does little to build the band's confidence in terms of volume, a general murmur of appreciation will have to suffice for now.



The crowd remains relatively inactive throughout the evening, and the end result is that the atmosphere inside the ICA leans slightly closer to 'charming school play' rather than intense gig. Despite this though, Yeasayer's arrival prompts a healthy dose of enthusiastic applause and a few whistles thrown in for good measure, and the Brooklyn quartet allow a few moments for dramatic effect before launching into the first of a series of heavily synthesised, rhythmical numbers that have a surprisingly powerful effect given the modest surroundings in which they are unleashed. With their solid grasp of eerie effects, wailing harmonies and pulsating percussion changes, it is easy to interpret Yeasayer as something approaching the bastard lovechild of Ozric Tentacles and Enya, and the cosmic energies running through the group only enhance this perception.



However, there is far more to this curious outfit than a mere mix of influences, and the regular wades into faster territory serve Anand Wilder, Chris Keating, Luke Fasano and the far too awesomely-named Ira Wolf Tuton well, as the continuously lacklustre audience does on occasion begin to nod, dance and smile its way through the evening. Of course it is the more recognisable tunes such as '2080' that receive the most enthusiastic responses of the evening, but all in all, it is an enjoyable night nonetheless as band and crowd alike engage in a mutual politeness that leaves good vibes hanging around well after Yeasayer have left the stage.

FUTURE GIGS

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