YELLE brought the opening night of their U.S.A. mini tour to the nation’s capital. The French Electropop band lead by Julie Budet and GrandMarnier are touring in continuation of an era that was put on pause by the pandemic and Julie’s pregnancy. The energy in the the room made it clear that the crowd at the 9:30 Club had been eagerly awaiting their return.
Julie was escorted to her center position on stage wearing a trench coat over a black sequined bodysuit that covered her head and hands. She looked like an ethereal alien about to transport the crowd to a vibrant dance pop universe. She sparkled in the stage lights as GrandMarneir and touring drummer, Franck Richard, took their positions at drum sets behind her. The excitement in the room was palpable as they were about to begin their first show in the U.S.A. in 5 years.
They opened their set with “Emancipense,” the dark and moody opening track off their 2020 album, L’Ère du Verseau (The Age of Aquarius). The setlist was dominated by bright pop anthems off their 2014 album, Complètement Fou (Completely Crazy), and atmospheric tracks from their latest album. One of the biggest highlights was the Sophie and A.G. Cook remix of “Moteur Action.” The crowd went into a frenzy as if the spirit of the late Sophie was present and pulsating through the room. Julie shifted effortlessly between shimmering synth pop tracks and dramatic ballads, and although the audience consisted mainly of non-French speakers, the euphoria of YELLE transcended the language barrier. They left the both crowd delighted and exhausted from dancing.
Check out photos from the show below!
Opening for YELLE was Sam Quealy, an Australian techno pop artist currently living in Paris. She treated the crowd to a ferocious performance that included her singles and many unreleased demos. Her entire performance was extremely theatrical and athletic, which makes sense considering she has a background as a professional dancer. She moved viciously across the stage, looking possessed as she vogued, did splits, and flailed her limbs around. Her set left the crowd eager for her future releases. Sam Quealy’s latest EP, NIGHTSHADE is out now via Music and Craft.
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Photos and Review by Hailey Collins (@haileycolllins)
