Intermingled vocals, an array of instruments, witty but weird lyrics, and dashes of colorful face paint ensure that tUnE-yArDs‘ performances at the 9:30 Club on June 13 and 14 will be nothing short of…brilliant.
In their previous albums BiRd-BrAiNs and w h o k i l l, singer and producer Merrill Garbus and bassist Nate Brenner portrayed a knack for experimental pop. After the release of w h o k i l l, critics praised tUnE-yArDs’ originality and labeled the duo as a breakout artist to watch. Their song “Gangsta” from w h o k i l l was even featured on several popular television shows such as Orange is the New Black, Weeds, and The Good Wife.
Three years later, their newest album Nikki Nack, released on May 5, reaches beyond the experimental pop vibe of their first two albums, and instead reveals a mature, sophisticated pop sound. Despite the new album’s differences, it is still being highly praised by critics like Barry Walters of Spin: “Nikki Nack betters Whokill by beefing up its feral ferocity.”
Despite the evolution that tUnE-yArDs has undergone toward a more complex pop sound, one thing remains the same—tUnE-yArDs plays a great live set. Bringing out her ukulele and face paint is common for Garbus, who is known to exude both energy and fun on stage.
To top off what will be a night of musical inventiveness, the up-and-coming duo Sylvan Esso, who are known for tight vocals and electronic pop vibes, will open the show.
With a line-up this stacked, tickets for the show on Friday, June 13, are already sold out, but we are giving away two tickets for the show on Saturday, June 14, at the 9:30 Club.
While recording Nikki Nack, Garbus used instruments such as a bag of white rice as a “cowbell,” a leather-cushioned stool as drum, a Casio keyboard she was given as a child, and the boula, a small Haitian drum. For a chance to win a pair of tickets, comment below with your favorite artist or band who uses unconventional instruments. Mine is You Won’t. The winner will be chosen on Wednesday, May 28. Tickets are still available for purchase.
