DOWNLOAD Then See: YAWN

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 9, 2010 8:00PM

We stopped by Post in Pilsen Saturday night to see Tiny Concepts, a solo minimalist experimental act who just happens to be a delicate little French girl from Brittany. But we were delightfully surprised to find that local outfit, YAWN, was headlining this discreet gallery show. Their performance was truly the highlight of the night and they proved that, despite their youthful appearance and demeanor, they’re actually serious, experienced musicians.

Previously known as Metrovox, the group has been playing shows all around Chicago for half a decade. Last year they made a fresh start and changed their name to YAWN, explaining that they were “irritated with the ubiquity of the word metro.” And in September, they released a self-titled EP under the new moniker. The five-song album introduced their new, electro-tribal sound, seemingly inspired by the Afro-pop of Vampire Weekend and the hypnotic synth of Animal Collective.

The EP’s Opening track, “Toys,” delivers a tropical beat behind strong, harmonic vocals and funky synth sounds. It sets the mood for the rest of the tracks, such as “David,” which uses the same elements with the addition of tribal chanting. The album’s closing track, “Midnite,” focuses more on electronic with a wide array of whirling, flittering synth sounds, backed up by a drum beat that starts out weak and builds into a powerful, hypnotizing climax. Listen for yourself, because the EP is free to download on YAWN’s website.

They’ll be performing at the Empty Bottle on Valentine’s Day, bringing along openers Netherfriends, who rocked our turntables back in September, and local DJ Baby Magdalene. There will also be a photobooth set up so you can capture the special night with a picture by local professional photographer, Lenny Gilmore. Basically, it’s going to be the ideal V-Day date, full of dreamy, romantic music, good drinks and plenty of dark corners perfect for making out.

YAWN plays Sunday, Feb 14 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9pm, $3 in advance, $5 at the door, 21+