Yeasayer, Sleighbells and Chandeliers at Metro: live review + photo gallery

The Beastie Boys–meets–Andrew W.K. noise that is Sleigh Bells had us cringing for a solid half hour while Alexis Krauss howled like a demented Tiffany and screamo guitarist Derek Miller stumbled over a string of technical difficulties. But all was forgiven when non-gimmick Yeasayer took to the stage. Set amidst a prismatic light show that replicated the band's recent face-shifting-man video for "O.N.E." the five-person band of Brooklynites faithfully recreated the best moments from both of its albums, in a set that rang in at just under an hour.

Highlights included updated versions of "Wait for Summer" and "Sunrise" which were retooled to fit into a more synth-heavy framework, and standouts from the new album, especially the  aforementioned "O.N.E.," "Ambling Alp" and "I Remember." We also couldn't help but chuckle at Chris Keating's constant japing with the crowd.

Keating recalled a terrible Metro show he'd seen a decade earlier—while living in Chicago—but he was obviously too embarrassed to admit who actually performed. Instead, he made up fantasy bills that included Staind, Nickleback and—our favorite—a double header between Public Enemy and the Stooges that included a Chuck D, Iggy Pop duet. These are funny guys. Read our recent chat with Yeasayer's Anand Wilder here.

Photos: Brendan Lester