Yeasayer and the Boyle Family

Yeasayer @ Wexner Center, Columbus, OH - photo by Cassie Lewis

Yeasayer @ Wexner Center, Columbus, OH - photo by Cassie Lewis
Yeasayer @ Wexner Center, Columbus, OH - photo by Cassie Lewis

I saw the band Yeasayer play with Man Man at the Bluebird here in Denver last night. They were great - and the addition of a vj (video dj) really added to their set and aesthetic. The projections over the band were mesmerizing. Here's a video from the above pictured show in Columbus to give you a better idea of how these images moved and what it sounded like;



video by tsnydermtg

Aesthetically, there are obviously 60s psychedelia influences - which reminded me of a fascinating Scottish group of artists called the Boyle Family. According to an article on thecenterofattention.org,

"their projection pieces crystallized into three major works: Son et Lumière for Earth, Air, Fire and Water (1966), which presented physical and chemical reactions including evaporation, corrosion, combustion and effervescence; Son et Lumière for Insects, Reptiles and Water Creatures which showed living creatures of the air, earth and water greatly enlarged; and Son et Lumière for Bodily Fluids and Functions, which presented fluids such as blood, tears, vomit and sperm"

The artists collective went on to do the projections at a psychedelic club called UFO to the music of Soft Machine and other acts -including Jimi Hendrix. They are probably better known for their Earth Pieces (which are another topic all together), but clearly the influence of psychedelic projections has had a lasting effect on music and performance.

Boyle Family - Burning SlideMark Boyle and Joan Hill performing Bodily Fluids and Functions 1966
Mark Boyle and Joan Hill performing Bodily Fluids and Functions 1966