Review: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs at O2 Academy, Birmingham

Dec 10 2009 Review by Chris Henwood

SEXY, innovative, dynamic and relevant – most bands achieve one of these during their entire career if they’re lucky.

Not for New York trio The Yeah Yeah Yeahs though, who have all four in abundance.

Sound difficulties during openers Phenomena and Heads Will Roll threatened to spoil the party.

But irrepressible singer Karen O was insistent on a good time and let each of the front row share in the good vibes by passing down the mic for them to sing the chorus of Cheated Hearts.

After a short break she returned to stage clad in leather for Zero and a triumphant Y Control before a haunting, pared-down version of Maps – arguably the coolest, most touching love song of the decade.

Only Date With The Night was left to send the crowd home in buoyant mood.

VERDICT: 4/5