YACHT, Light Asylum, & Bobby Birdman played Metro (pics)

words by Zach Pollack, photos by Grant MacAllister

Sporting a white V-neck with the text "ACID" printed on it, YACHT band member and collaborator Bobby Birdman kicked off the night. His blend of dancy, electronic music drew much of the venue's early loiters towards the stage.

Up next was the Brooklyn, NY duo; Light Asylum. With thick, booming beats they sounded massive on the Metro's sound system. Shannon Funchess' 70's rock-esque vocals, and Bruno Coviello's pounding club beats really had the crowd moving. Both members were shocked, and gracious when from the stage; they received word that their set would be extended to 45 minutes. Recently spotted opening for TV on the Radio at Radio City Music Hall, I can see why they were also the perfect precursor to YACHT.

YACHT has expanded a ton over the years. Starting off as Jona Bechtolt's solo project, the now duo (with the addition of singer Claire L. Evans) even has a three-piece backing band. As the tour announcement stated, YACHT would be running with a more spiritual theme, which was evident throughout their set.

Claire announced that the group would be playing their forthcoming LP Shangri-La (out June 21st via DFA Records) in its entirety, and the crowd was ecstatic. Before unveiling the album track "Beam Me Up" she declared, "I have one question...do you want to die tonight Chicago? Just kidding, do you believe in aliens?" That was followed by a rendition of Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law," and then Shangri-La's first single "Dystopia (The Earth is on Fire)."

It is no secret that Claire likes to move around on stage, and at one point she even ended up on top of the speakers. Towards the end of their set they played the fan favorite "Psychic City," which saw the entire audience leaping up and down.

YACHT will continue on tour until the 14th, ending at Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR.

Head below to view more pictures of all three acts.

Bobby Birdman



Light Asylum






YACHT