Years & Years keep the buzz going at the Avalon
Seraphina Lotkhamnga on
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Years & Years is without a doubt the talk of the town now that the U.K. trio have crossed the big pond and landed in the States. Their American debut at SXSW started off shaky, but it seems they’ve worked out most of the kinks for Monday at the Avalon. News of a few a glitches during previous Years & Years’ live performances did not deter their fans from busting through the doors at the venue in order to obtain a close spot. Their original scheduled L.A. date at the Troubadour on Wednesday immediately sold out and prompted them to perform a second show as part of the It’s a School Night series only to have promoters move the show downstairs to a bigger stage with a better sound system and better lighting. The move was not unjustified; members Olly Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen put on outstanding show and the deliriously wild screams were unyielding.
- ||| Photos by Michelle Shiers
With a sparse intro to “Foundation,” the dim atmosphere came into play with only Alexander and co. to provide the spark of light for the night. And that they did, despite a small hiccup during the self-title track of their EP “Take Shelter.” With a coy smile, Alexander attempted to convince the crowd, “You can forget this happened,” but quickly followed up by stating “We’re going to do that again. I’m so sorry.” Fans paid no mind to the small things. The bigger picture was that Alexander’s vocals flowed flawlessly and the band (including a live drummer) powered through the rest of the night.
Years & Years even previewed a new song that would be on their upcoming album “Communion” (out June 22 via Polydor). “Shine” boasted a soaring pop melody that was brighter than the R&B-tinted ones they’ve been lacing their electronic arrangements with, but it worked with Alexander’s bright tenor.
The frontman (and co-star of “God Help The Girl”) sat down at the keys for the songs “Memo” and “Eyes Shut,” but he didn’t do so without bouncing more of that charm off the crowd. “I would appreciate if everyone could keep on dancing …. or touch each other.” Giggle and chuckles rippled throughout the crowd but those reactions didn’t make his request any less appropriate since the latter was a ballad.
“Desire” ended Years & Years’ set on a triumphant note (“Everyone’s so much nicer in America!”), but even school nights deserve an encore. Returning to the stage to perform a new song titled “Border” and closing with “Real” — the single that started it all — Years & Years proved they may around for more than just a few years.
Fellow British artists Marlon Roudette and Laura Welsh opened the night.
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