On Friday the 13th, I had the chance to see glam-punk artist Yves Tumor as they put on an incendiary show at the Observatory North Park in San Diego. Tumor, whose real name is Sean Lee Bowie, has a music background that infuses psychedelic rock with lo-fi and punk. Their music has found a big fanbase based on popular singles such as “Limerence,” “Kerosene!” and “Gospel For A New Century.”
Following the release of their newest EP, with possibly the longest album name ever: “Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds),” Tumor launched a worldwide tour. The enigmatic nature of Yves Tumor created a sublime atmosphere as the band made itself known throughout San Diego.
Before I got a chance to enter the venue, however, there had been complications upfront with the box office that didn’t allow me to attend the show until an hour into the event. The box office noted they didn’t have my name yet under any coverage passes. Meanwhile, people were murmuring their favorite songs of the main act. While walking to the line, my photographer and I sat on a bench together slumped over, feeling hopeless. To pass the time, we bantered and joked about the scenario where we’d hear from the outside, the opening act hollering, “Anybody who’s not at the show right now is missing out!” Finally, our names came up at the box office, and now nothing could stop us from seeing Yves Tumor.
Although I missed the first opening act, Izzy Spears, I entered The Observatory halfway through the second opening act, The Hellp, playing on stage. The band left a lasting impression on me, blasting through experimental electronic music that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and rave. Flashing set lights and words echoed in an effect throughout the venue, and even if the crowd seemed split in reception, the duo set the tone for how high energy the rest of the night was to be.
As I waited in anticipation for the main act of the night to come on stage, I instantly heard a difference in the music that’s typically played during a break when a band leaves and when the next comes on. You might be accustomed to hearing your average indie rock staples being played to keep the audience entertained. Maybe even the crowd joins along to sing a song everyone knows. Instead, all you were left to hear was a dark heavy guitar riff being played repeatedly – the kind you’d hear in a horror movie. This let the audience know they’re in for an exciting show from Tumor.
Yves Tumor and their band appeared in front of the crowd and teared up the stage as soon as they set foot. On guitar was Chris Greatti, who looked as if he traveled back from the past from an 80’s hair metal band, with luxurious hair, a flamboyant outfit, and striking poses. Yves Rothman played the keys followed by Rhys Hastings on drums who was obscured by his drum set for the duration of the set. Gina Ramirez played bass and provided backing vocals, delivering solid vocal work on many of the songs with features that she filled in. Lastly, our frontman of the group can’t be forgotten, as they were seen sporting a cap to the side and wearing a leather jacket.
The opening scream in “God is a Circle” gave way for a looped sample of heavy gasping that featured noisy guitars, driving drums and bass, and Tumor’s distorted vocals. The song was a fascinating start to the show. The crowd became instantly in tune with Tumor and the band, swaying along to the beat, and singing the lyrics along with the group.
Tumor and Greatti were seen going up and down the stage rilling the crowd up. Tumor had various hand gestures, waving his hand up, commanding the audience to cheer even louder as the group played louder and louder. Greatti at one point during an electrifying guitar solo, hooked the guitar around in front of the security guard near the barricade while still rocking out. Tumor and the group then played a more upbeat version of the single “Licking An Orchid,” from his 2018 album, “Safe In The Hands of Love.” The song was how I originally came to discover Tumor’s music, so I was a little surprised to hear a more fast-paced tone of the song being played live, but was a welcome inclusion.
The highlight of the night was “Kerosene!,” a single off of Tumor’s 2020 album, “Heaven to a Tortured Mind.” The crowd was ecstatic with chants coming out for the song that ended the band’s set, and blissful cheers when the first atmospheric chords played. Greatti’s guitar solo was monstrous, reminiscent of Prince, with spectacular guest vocals from Ramirez. The song works as one of the more effective modern rock duets, with the original version featuring Beyonce collaborator Diana Gordon. “Kerosene!” describes the incredible obsession to love and be loved, and when seen live, provides an excellent performance of modern rock.
It seemed clear the band enjoyed playing together, with Tumor often seen belting out his vocals while their arm around Greatti, and even kissing him at one point before a break. Ramirez on bass was heard front and center during her vocal passages, combining into a true rock show where fans feel welcomed in an immersive experience. I’m glad I had the opportunity to see Yves Tumor and his band perform live, and I look forward to their music ahead.