Pete Yorn at Bush Hall

Standing alone on the stage at Bush Hall under a disco ball and half a dozen chandeliers, Pete Yorn opened the gig with solo track I Feel Good Again, adding a well-deserved dramatic element to the tour of his first solo album in six years.

It was hard to tell this was only his third performance with the band, and whilst they admitted they’re working out some of the kinks, they delivered a fun, relaxed and carefree set. Particularly notable was Yorn’s long-term friend, the musically gifted Joe Kennedy, who supported with an ensemble of harmonica, keyboard and guitar solos.

Yorn’s setlist was a well-received balance of classics and new material, which energised the crowd from the off. Lead track Summer Was a Day and Lost Weekend, from his new album, Arranging Time, were supported by firm favourites Just Another and Black. He had the die-hard fans at the front singing the chorus back to him and baying for his attention between songs, amid laid-back jokes from the singer. 

The soothing tones of Bob Dylan tribute The Man saw the audience swaying in a calmer rhythm. But this did not dilute the energy as Yorn brought his set to a crescendo with new track I Am Not the One and big sellers  from his first album Strange Condition and For Nancy – an onslaught of funky blues beats with rock guitar that left the audience shouting for more.

Having worked on Yorn’s first two albums, producer R Walt Vincent returned to help create his sixth, and his influence can be felt in the new material. A guitarist and originally a drummer himself, Yorn’s new album is at its core about the music. The tracks on Arranging Time maintain the playful creativity of his debut album Musicforthemorningafter (2001), whilst experimenting with the sonics to produce a re-vamped indie rock vibe with a folk/blues aspect. Even after 16 years, it was well established at Bush Hall that Pete Yorn’s music has still got it.

 

Melissa Hoban
Photos: Barry Stingmore

For further information about Pete Yorn and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Lost Weekend here: