CONCERT REVIEW: Yann Tiersen @ First Unitarian Church sanctuary, 2/17

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CONCERT REVIEW: Yann Tiersen @ First Unitarian Church sanctuary, 2/17

POSTED: Friday, February 18, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Music Concert Review

Photo | Chris Sikich

Playing to a crowd seemingly filled with more curious listeners than devoted fans, French composer Yann Tiersen and his band earned a hushed respect for their mellow melodies and for their earsplitting sonic swells. Could've been the settting: Audiences in First Unitarian Church's sanctuary are generally better behaved than they might be elsewhere. Could've been unfamiliarity with the material: Though everyone seemed absorbed, few clapped until compelled. But even as the band toggled effortlessly between extremes from a phalanx of keyboards to a gentle ukelele, from instrumental bliss to gang choruses respect wasn't the reaction they were going for. The first crack in the audience's reserve came when Tiersen traded in his guitar and keys for a violin freakout; the second, when the bandleader noted they'd rather look out and see dancing in the sanctuary's pews than a seated reverence. Or worse, yawning. That was enough to shake things loose. By show's end, only a quiet minority remained seated. The rest, on their feet and fully won over, were quiet no more.

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