The legend of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and their magnetic frontwoman, Karen O, has been sustained over the last decade, despite the band’s hiatus from both touring and making new music. Known for bringing an explosive injection of riotous hedonism to the garage-rock revival in the noughties, it was unclear whether they could convey the same magic on their return to the stage. But be in no doubt, this band proved their credentials as some of the most electrifying performers of the present moment, as well as the past.
The element of nostalgia was felt keenly by O as she addressed the crowd at the sold-out Brixton Academy, where she last played with her band almost exactly 20 years ago. “Was anybody there?” she asked. “You were there. You were there. Yes!” she shrieked, overjoyed to be reunited with her long-parted fandom.
