Yelle’s brightly-hued songs and fashion captivated the crowd at the Ogden Theatre on Friday. Photos by .
Friday nightap show at the was Denver’s Seen and be Scene event of the early winter, the hipster elite coming out of early hibernation and mixing with the American Apparel-saturated teenagers for a special evening of dance–pop madness. Opening acts and L.A.’s successfully warmed up the image-oriented crowd, but it was obvious that the focus was on the impending entrance of bubblegum princess Yelle.
As the petite and stunning Julie Budet, a.k.a. Yelle, took the stage, she instantly captivated the crowd, darting up on her toes and greeting the venue with a beaming grin. Dressed like a neo-’80s French Barbie in gold leggings, orange two-strap throwback Reeboks and a custom geometric-shape embellished top, Yelle bounced through two opening tracks (my French is non-existent, so apologies in advance for the lack of accurate set listing) then to the familiar “Mal Poli,” her tiny fingers pointing to the sky as her hips jolted about to the thick beats.
Inciting riotous NKOTB-worthy screams, Yelle winked at her audience and tumbled flawlessly through “85A,” glow sticks flying through the air as she bunny-hopped across the stage. A pseudo-rave ensued at the front of the stage for “Ce Jeu,” whistles from the crowd complimenting Yelle’s hypnotizing French prose.
Her backing band consisted of two very cute French dudes on drums and keyboard / turntables / MacBook who were just as wound up and excited as Yelle, jumping up and running around their equipment several times during the set, adding to the joyous frenzy. At one point, Yelle herself stepped behind a single floor tom to bang out the tribal beats with her band mates as they revved up the crowd with excited claps and over-sized smiles.
Disappearing from the stage momentarily, Yelle quickly returned and attempted to lead the audience in a sing-along of “A Cause Des Garcons,” giggling and retreating to singing it herself as she moved in delicate robotic motions. A black light came on over the stage and Yelle then marched through a remix of “Garcons,” howls of approval rising from the sea of grabbing hands. A brief encore finished a solid and satisfying set, and Yelle and her band mates left the stage.
Like an updated version of a Tiffany show at Westminster Mall, Yelle proved to be one of the most dynamic and mesmerizing performers to come through our humble cow town this year. Although she can feel like a one-trick French pony, Yelle proved that air-headed pop music’s genius lies in the performance, and she’s got it down to a glittery science. I just hope you were cool enough to witness it too, because Yelle just may have been the best show of the year.
is a Denver writer and regular Reverb contributor. Check out her and .
Sarah Slater is a Denver freelance photographer and regular Reverb contributor. Check out .
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