Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Overview

Last time the Yeah Yeah Yeahs came to Sydney charismatic frontwoman Karen O traded in her jet-black bowl cut for a platinum wig and Jesus robes — just one of the elaborate costumes featured in her ambitious "psycho opera" Stop the Virgens.

Unusual, sure, but live performance has always been an integral part of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' magnetism. When the band comes back to play Big Day Out 2013 there may or may not be kaleidoscopic kimonos and headpieces the size of hot air balloons, but it's the band's infectious sound that won them critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. "Maps" isn't just an adolescent anthem 'cause there aren't enough lyrics to mess up.

However seeing the band's frontwoman writhe around on stage is undoubtedly a bonus, and if your vision is obscured by the inevitable sea of frenetically surging bodies on the 18^th you can always catch their Metro Theatre sideshow. Tickets for that one go on sale Friday, 21 September.