United Kingdom artist Yellow Days, put on one hell of a show at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever this Wednesday. This exclusive concert felt unlike any I have had the privilege to shoot for. The psychedelic indie-pop performer, George van den Broek (Yellow Days) had a set full of surprises, breathtaking experimental graphics, and ballads old and new. The vibes were uncanny to say the least. 

The venue, which sat in the center of a graveyard, set the ambiance for the night. The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever was a location meant for a performer of Broek’s nature. It captured the essence of Yellow Day’s exploratory and quirky style, assisted by the Masonic setting of multiple chandeliers, otherworldly architecture, and cultish undertones. Yellow Day’s performed songs from his bigger hits (“A Gap in the Clouds” and “The Way Things Change”) as well as some unreleased tunes. Even as unrecognizable as these new songs were, that didn’t stop the passion in the crowd from fading. The unique energy of Broek’s work was realized wonderfully by the background of the trippy visuals. Which included work akin to his album covers unique style of experimental faceless designs this, paired with the sensational lighting setup felt as if we the audience were not only enjoying the music, but were quite literally inside it. Yellow Days and company were also backed by three separate guests: opener Laura Quinn, local LA key player - John Carroll Kirby, and long-time collaborator Ric Wilson. All of which brought their one-of-a-kind talents to the stage keeping the set exhilarating and refreshing. It would be criminal to not mention Wilson’s astounding stage presence and ability to rile the crowd. The different guests brought to stage, made the show feel as if it were more of a festival than a concert. It is clear that Yellow Days is passionate about supporting his fellow artists and sharing the spotlight.

Yellow Days is unlike most indie-artists. His name originates from his own synesthesia (the ability to perceive colors while listening to music) which in an interesting light, makes a strange amount of sense. All of his discography feels, in a word - distinct. The combination of Broek’s melancholic vocals with his dreamlike instrumentals creates this artist’s unparalleled sound, which prevailed even more uniquely in-person. As an avid listener I can tell you Broek’s synthstasia translates into his work and separates him from any other artist in the genre, evoking emotion that truly feels colorful and immersive.

From this show I gained some new,  previously unfamiliar, favorites from Yellow days: “Getting Closer”, “You”, and “Your Hand Holding Mine”, which all contrast so much from one another but showcase the same compelling genre-bending sound. I could not advocate for Yellow Days more for those looking for a new addiction in the indie scene. It was a privilege to be able to shoot this show and hear Yellow Days in person, I have nothing but high hopes for the artist.