TVD Live Shots: Yungblud at Le Trabendo, 11/17

PARIS, FRANCE | Paris is such a magical city, especially when it comes to its fantastic music scene and unique venues. Last time I was in town, I caught Foals playing an “intimate” gig at Le Bataclan, and was blown away by one of the best shows I’ve seen all year. But last week, that show was topped by Doncaster born Yungblud when he played two nights at a very intimate venue called Le Trabendo.

It was easily the hottest ticked that evening (although Tropical Fuck Storm was playing that evening as well, and I would have loved to catch both). It took me a while to find this place as it’s a bit hidden, and once I got in, I was impressed by its cool and unique layout. This place is literally a stage and then a bunch of different levels of platforms, so pretty much every place you can stand has a great view.

Believe it or not, there was a tiny photo pit to which I managed to climb over the jam-packed room to get in. Then it was off to the races as Yungblud launched himself onto the stage and immediately set the room in a frenzy. The energy this guy has is astounding. Yungblud lists among his influences Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, and The Clash, and that’s precisely what’s coming out of him.

And you really do have to admire this guy for not only his ability to write one hell of a hook but also to bring the crowd along with him and make them all feel comfortable in their own skin. While his song titles don’t necessarily reflect positivity, the overall message is resonating with a new generation of youths who are always under pressure to look cool on social media. Yungblud is helping these kids to not only be okay with imperfection but to celebrate it and build it into confidence.

Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Richard Harrison, is a phenomenon of sorts seemingly coming out of nowhere and rising to the top incredibly fast. His debut record 21st Century Liability was released in 2018, and his popularity skyrocketed from there. Now he’s arguably the hottest new artist across Europe. This guy simply can’t lose with a string of hits that switch between pop, punk, and electro and include an a-list of collaborators along the way. Put all this together with a live band, and you have a new breed of rock star in the making.

I recently read an article in one of the UK music publications questioning the need for live albums in 2019. While I certainly agree that we will never have another Kiss Alive or Cheap Trick at Budokan, if a studio record doesn’t capture the energy and rawness of a particular live show, then I think it’s necessary. The interesting thing about Yungblud is that his studio tracks are very polished, but the live show is very rough around the edges, as a proper rock ‘n’ roll show should be. He released a live album earlier this year, and if you haven’t heard the music yet, I suggest you start there as this is where Yungblud shines.

Yungblud just announced a UK residency taking place next year at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket, go see this guy live because next time it will be at the O2.

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