Synth-Pop trio Years & Years came through San Diego for their fall tour to support their excellent debut album, Communion. FINALLY. Since hearing their electrified bop “Real” in early 2014, I have been salivating for a live show. Timing is everything, I suppose.
The Observatory North Park was packed to the brim the night of their show. Usually this kind of crowded scene would make me turn the other way and run for the hills, but this time the sight of a billiondy people clamoring to see one of my favorite up-and-comers was met with a silent, nodding “yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas.”
After a powerful set from the opener, singer/songwriter Tei Shi, Years & Years was met with an overwhelming welcoming of hoots and hollers, mostly coming from the boisterous, sassy youth standing directly in front of me. The band started with “Foundation,” which just so happens to be the perfect opener. The song started out a slow build and progressed to a dramatic climax as a red light pulsed on the trio.
The opening notes of “Take Shelter” definitely made me fanboy out as lead singer, Olly, slithered his way through the sexy, tropical cut. After picking up the tempo with “Worship’ and ‘Gold,” Years & Years played my favorite of the night with midtempo-thumper “Ties.” Olly sang the track with fervor and grit as if singing directly to me and I felt every word. I was hoping to hear the older track “Traps” live but realized I was being a bit selfish as they played almost their whole album, including singles “Shine,” “Desire” and probably their biggest hit to date, “King.”
It was one of those shows where the audience was enamored the whole time, but still functional enough to sing every lyric back to the band. Years & Years truly seemed humbled by the audience’s support and will hopefully be back to San Diego soon. I know I’ll be perched, waiting to confirm my ticket order.
Check them out on tour now and make sure and get your copy of Communion out now via Interscope.
– Submitted by Tristan Bolden, Music Design