By Imogen Brown
Yves Tumor is an explosive force. Leather-clad and enigmatic, Tumor strutted onto the stage of Warehouse Live on April 27 to deliver a stunning, powerful performance bathed in blue and red light. Tumor’s Houston stop of their “To Spite or Not to Spite” tour left audiences’ ears ringing for an eternity.
Tumor opened with “God Is A Circle,” the first song on their latest album “Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds).” With meticulous breaths and an unshakeable three-piece ensemble, Tumor’s passionate performance was tight, coordinated and precise. Chris Greatti tore up the lead guitar while Gina Ramirez and Rhys Hastings plowed through bass and drums. At one point, Tumor jumped into the crowd, prompting deafening audience screams.
“Echolalia” was Tumor’s next standout track. A pumping, sweaty dance party, “Echolalia” electrified the room. Just when I thought I couldn’t jump anymore, Tumor wailed “helloooo?” whipping out a steel double mic contraption on “Operator.” Though their set generally centered around hits from the newest album, Tumor also included older classics like “Jackie” and “Kerosene,” which had the crowd teeming with energy. Towards the end of the show, I was even surprised to find myself sucked into the vibrant, thumping mosh pit.
Tumor compounds the stylistic excitement of glam metal with technical otherworldly talent. Their driving basslines, show-stealing guitar licks, glitter-covered face and outrageous voice make for a singularly awe-inspiring performance.
