Yeo & The Fresh Goods, Yeow Meow @ Alhambra (17.01.08)

Last Thursday saw the official launch of multi-instrumentalist Yeo's debut album, Trouble Being Yourself. Now you may be familiar with Yeo from local bands such as Tragic/Athletic, Yeow Meow (who also played), SkyPi, and Raven Squad Elite, but down let this fool you into thinking that Yeo's solo music is more avant-garde noise rock or wacked out electronica like these other acts. Rather Yeo & The Fresh Goods' (his live backing band) weapon of choice is the pop song, and the wield it with undeniable skill.

But first we have the always memorable, always cacophonous, Yeow Meow to listen to (having missed the first act, Sirinival). Ben Thompson and company tear through a short but sweet set of noise rock. Although it wasn't the best set I've seen the band play (Nadia's singing was off key at times and Alhambra's acoustics didn't really suit the band's sound), Yeow Meow were nevertheless entertaining and an excellent entree.

As Yeo & The Fresh Goods begin their opening song it becomes apparent that the band is unusually tight for one that didn't even record the songs they're playing. While they do stray from the versions found on Trouble Being Yourself, Yeo's eclectic mix of songs blend surprisingly well in a live setting. The Fresh Good's present a perfect foil to Yeo on stage, with keyboardist/backup vocalist Georgia, and trumpeter Tom providing an excellent layer of melody to the songs, while bassist Mick and drummer Richie gel together to form a versatile rhythm section.

But the true star of the show is Yeo, who cuts a joyful, slightly embarrassed figure on stage. Switching between guitar and keytar, while constantly maintaining pitch perfect vocals, Yeo leads The Fresh Goods through some of the best pop songs to come out of Brisbane in ages. From the funk of 'Study Buddy', to the bouncy reggae of 'Fishing With Aidan', and Pacman-pop of 'Two Sides Of A Door', Yeo proves that he is a musician of many influences, and, more importantly, that he is able to master them all. Hopefully Yeo will be the first of many Brisbane acts to successfully chase a style of music other than the standard indie rock/noise rock/punk rock affair.

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Review: Yeo - Trouble Being Yourself

No, you haven't imbibed to much cough syrup, the above image features the multi-talented Yeo who has just dropped his debut album. Yeo has been steadily making a name for himself locally and nationaly as a prodigous talent (Zan Rowe of Triple J has touted him as Australia's answer to Phoenix and Cornelius) and, with Trouble Being Yourself, Yeo has definitely stepped up to meet those expectations.

The album is a fresh change from the usual fair coming out of Brisbane, combining a number of influences not usual touched on by local artists. Yeo tackles genres as diverse as R'n'B, French touch, reggae, funk, and electro-clash. While this may seem to be a course for disaster, Yeo never feels out of water on any of the tracks. From the basketball-sampling 'The Score' and the Specials meets Architecture In Helsinki 'Fishin' With Aidan', to the twee acoustic number 'My Greatest Fear' or the electro-funk freakout that is 'Backflips In The Kitchen', Yeo has crafted a sensationally eclectic album. There is no doubt that there are tracks on Trouble Being Yourself to suit any musical taste.

On stage Yeo employs a backing band, The Fresh Goods, to recreate his expansive sound. While no future gigs are confirmed at the moment, keep an eye out for an album launch in December. In the meantime you can grab Trouble Being Yourself from Rockinghorse, Butter Beats, or The Outpost Store. As a primer here's 'Study Buddy' of the album. It's a track that sits somewhere on the scale between George Clinton and Prince, so you're sure to enjoy.




Yeo - Study Buddy off Trouble Being Yourself

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