Appearances can be deceptive and with
Yearbook what you see isn’t what you are going to expect to hear. They may look
like a selection from the cast of an American Pie-style movie with geeky
glasses and chino shorts; but their music doesn’t contain any of the cheesy
Americanized clichés that have become commonplace throughout that style of music.
In reality they are Hampshire’s answer to
Biffy Clyro and give the audience at The Hope in Brighton a ferocious and
continuous 20 minute set that pulls you in on the first song and doesn’t let
you go until they finish playing. The band have crafted a huge live sound
thanks in part to the drummer who churns out hard driving beats and choppy,
syncopated rhythmic stops.
The singer has an amazing voice, seamlessly
switching between screaming, signing and whispering. It is rare to find a
signer who manages to pull off these different styles well but Yearbook have
done just that. His vocal talents are supported by delicate and sparse vocal
harmonies, adding even more depth to their live sound.
Particular highlights of the set were Art
Student and Visionary, fast paced and clever songwriting. They have all the
energy and brash of bands like Gallows and Lower Than Atlantis so its no
surprise the latter asked them to a support them on their tour.
With such an impressive live set the band
seem equally suited to playing stadiums as they do smaller venues they
headlined tonight. The band are in Guilford, Leicester, London and Southampton
so if you are in the area I strongly advise you go and check them out.
