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Live Local Music

Pete Yorn Review

Posted by Natalie Plumb on 11/08 at 05:40 PM

After much anticipation, State College finally got what it hoped for – Pete Yorn, the remarkable American singer-songwriter and guitarist who first gained international recognition in 2000 for his film-to-soundtrack hit “Strange Condition,” which was featured in “Me, Myself and Irene.” Following requests from State College residents and students alike, Pete Yorn booked a night show for Oct. 30 at the State Theatre, where he played to a packed house.

Yorn opened with his upbeat “Life on a Chain,” the hit single from his 2001 debut album “musicforthemorningafter.” As he switched back and forth from electric to acoustic guitar, Yorn was accompanied not only by bass, tambourine, harmonica, drums, and piano, but also by pink, purple and blue lights striking the stage and flashing to the beat.

Yorn, who has strikingly similar facial features to British musician Cat Stevens, does little to imitate Stevens’ upbeat, country-like sound. Rather, Yorn’s voice was well-suited to the silhouette of darkness that surrounded him during part of his first set. With a slight twang at times, and a light, breathy sound, Yorn performs with great emotion – he keeps his eyes closed the majority of the time he plays.

From the six-member, multi-talented band, to the sing-along song selections, audience members were found rocking in their seats from beginning until end. Not one to monopolize the spotlight, Yorn stepped aside as each member of the six-member band had a solo, from bass to harmonica, drums to tambourine. The band built up every song to remarkable heights, creating infectious beats that moved the audience. The tambourinist took special advantage of this build-up, hopping all over the stage and head-butting Yorn to the beat of “For Us,” the fast-paced 2006 “Nightcrawler” album release.

To hear more of Pete Yorn’s music, visit http://www.peteyorn.com or listen to the tunes on the Imeem playlist next to this review.