Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 14th, 2012

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Who: Yuck at the Outdoor Theatre
In 3 or Fewer Words: Not exactly gross.
Forgettable because: Yuck not only followed a powerful set from the Dear Hunter, but their live set kind of got lost in the stiff headwind the quartet faced. For a band who offered one of the most catchiest shoegaze-influenced noise rock albums of 2011, this four-piece failed to translate their energy on record to the stage. The set featured the best bulk of their record but lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Blumberg’s stoicism came off slightly half-baked (even when he dedicated “Suicide Policeman” to Explosions in the Sky) and bassist Mariko Doi mostly had her back turned to the half of the audience. Although they started strong by opening with their brand spanking new track “Chew,” a quick dissipation of their college rock charm led to a lackluster show. For lovers of ’90s rock, these young newbies played as if veterans Pulp were only scheduled later to pick up their slack.
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Were at EMA: At least on record, Yuck isn’t overrated.
– S.L. (Concert photography by Scott Dudelson)