Yacht at Oslo Hackney

US-based electro-pop duo Yacht (Claire L Evans and Jona Bechtolt) makes its highly attended return to London at Oslo Hackney. After three years of absence from British grounds, the pair, accompanied by touring member Rob Kieswetter, delight the crowd with exactly the excitement they’ve been waiting for.

The sound takes the stage before the band does as the three eclectic members run out abruptly from behind the curtains, extravagantly cheered along the crowd. Neon lights, lasers and plenty of dry ice fill the room to accompany the futuristic sounds of the evening. The perfect blend between Claire’s peculiar powerful voice and Jona’s synth pop vibes shakes the speakers and walls.

There’s dancing, there’s jumping, there’s singing along as the multi-talented three play two of the most powerful songs of the night I Wanna Fuck You till I’m Dead and Utopia and Dystopia. Jona consults the public for opinions and Claire kisses, hugs and dances with the audience members on the dance floor: the stage and the floor become one and the same.

Interaction between the band and the fans reaches its peak with Ringtone as the musicians put on a little sketch, complete with props. Both artists dance without refrain and strip their shirts off in an inspirational frenzy, making their live performance outstanding. Their vitality steals the show as Claire screams “I’ve worn sneakers so I could jump jump jump! Ours is music made for dancing to!”.

The international audience highlights both the band’s ability to amalgamate styles and their increasing appeal. “We’ve been waiting three years for them to come to London!” explain two fans.

After pretending to leave the stage, the band concludes with two of the latest and best known hits I Thought the Future Would Be Cooler and Psychic City, leaving the thrilled crowd wanting more. Yacht underlined its distinguished, personal vibe and one-of-a-kind energy.

A momentous live performance, adding innumerable dimensions to the music itself, turning it into a multi-sensory experience. No matter the age, the style or the background, everybody in the room was dancing.

Sofia Quaglia
Photos: Maria Torrens

For further information about Yacht and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Utopia & Dystopia here: