Live review: Yur Mum at Cavern

Jake Avery, Music Editor, explores the Brazilian duo's tropical rock showcase

grasp over the leading vocal melodies throughout each track. Couto also exhibited exceptional control over the drums; despite having to initially grapple with a malfunctioning drum-pedal, his fluency and mastery of the Brazilian funk beats only sharpened as the set progressed, with his pugnacious barrage of drumming keeping Kunz’s bass motifs locked in whilst also being ear-candy within its own right. Yur Mum utilised the gig as an opportunity to preview some new tracks from their latest writing sessions.

BRINGING a raucous stampede of Carioca funk-inspired beats to Cavern was Brazlilian rock duo Yur Mum. Couple

Anelise Kunz (lead vocals and bass) and Fabio Couto (backing vocals and drums) displayed a set packed with weighty, boisterous bass riffs and elaborate drum fills; there was no question of the duo’s ability to fill the stage with excellent groove-driven rock without the need of any extra members. Sonically, the set was tight, with both instruments fortifying each other.

Most impressive amidst the delicious onslaught of distortion was Kunz’s terrific vocal ability to match the chaos without ever getting lost — her bellows soared above the bass and maintained an iron

Upcoming single 'Say Say' presented the duo’s fantastic melding of manic rhythms with an infectious choral chant. 'Immigrant' also embodied these aspects, but with more of an emphasis on close vocal harmonies, a facet that once again portrayed the multi-instrumental abilities of both. Concurrent throughout all tracks was the fact that Yur Mum not only have an irrepressible rock ‘n’ roll stage presence, but that they most importantly possess an indomitable passion for the music that they make. The duo were gleaming throughout the entirety of the set, and Kunz capped off a radiant night of tropical rock by parading into the crowd and hammering the last few bass notes in an inspired frenzy on the floor.

The multicultural influences and diverse themes tackled by Yur Mum’s lyrics naturally made for an especially riveting show. Exhibited with fury were a variety of historical themes — the dictatorial oppression and censorship faced throughout Brazil in the 1960s and 70s were explored throughout the relentlessly funky 'Banana Republic', whereas opener 'Crazy' dealt with the stigma that derives from straying away from the well-trodden path in life and following your own creative light. The dynamic nature of the duo’s lyrical interests worked astonishingly well, with each theme being supported by supercharged tempos and ferocity in their delivery. The stride and stomp of tracks such as closer ' Je Ne Sais Pas' created a thrilling groove that was impossible to avoid swaying to. Renowned track 'Sweat Shop ' also served as an epitomisation of Yur Mum's ability to fuse criticism and rock hooks; ubiquitous consumerism was attacked through a both catchy and venomous chorus.

It’s testament to the upbeat and zestful essence that Yur Mum possess that the heavy personal and societal subjects that they engaged with didn’t swamp the charisma of their performance. Kunz and Couto navigated Brazilian rock anthems with high levels of dexterity and stamina, all whilst projecting the force of a battering ram with their untamable hard-rock edge. Darker tracks such as 'Black Rainbow ' , a moodier and more sludge-driven venture into losing a conflict