NonCOMM Recap: Yeasayer kicks things off with a funky set

Yeasayer | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN

NonCOMM 2016 is officially underway after Yeasayer got things going downstairs at World Cafe Live. For those new to Yeasayer, It’s hard to get a grip on who they are, especially dealing with the small sample size we got tonight. The band even said on stage their time with the crowd had to be “Short but sweet,” comparing their set to “tasty free samples at the mall.” Well, if tonight’s performance from Yeasayer was just a sample, I’m more than willing to pay for the whole thing.

They combined traditional elements of guitar and bass, but threw in an unconventional electronic element that produced a funky sound so essential to getting the evening going. They started off with three tracks from their April release Amen & Goodbye, most notably “I Am Chemistry.” The song slowly builds, adding more elements like some sort of chemical equation. Vocals from Chris Keating and Anand Wilder combine with the quick bass work of Ira Wolf Tuton, and about halfway through the song, the elements explode into an electronic adventure.

The set peaked at that point, and then concluded with two older tracks. It’s a shame five songs was all time permitted, but Yeasayer made the most of their time and got NonCOMM off on the right foot.

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Setlist
Cold Night
I Am Chemistry
Silly Me
Ambling Alp
One