Gig Review: Yin Yin (Erratic Batting)
The phrase ‘perfect arrangement’ holds many meanings when the topic of conversation is the electrifying Dutch band, Yin Yin. The band divinely weave their influences of funk, disco, psychedelia and Southeast Asian 60/70s music whilst in person, this is only amplified when Kees, Remy, Erik and Jerôme grace the stage as one - where each member breathes life into their records - outstandingly in sync with one another. The evening was wonderfully organised to take place in Lantern Hall, where the warming lighting, sound and spirit inside kept the sweaty swing of the crowd ever-present throughout.
Self adorned with an ‘erratic music policy’ the Bristol gig/club promoter Erratic Batting have stormed into 2026 with a roster of the wildest, extraordinary and relentlessly intriguing lineup of headliners. Exceeding in eclecticism they welcomed back Yin Yin to Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon for a very special sold-out evening.
Typical to the promoter, the gig served as another friendly education of other-worldly rhythms and appropriately this attracted a colourful, vibrant crowd of mixed ages. Besides the music it was heartwarming to hear brief murmurs of conversations, older and younger generations sharing their experiences of EB events and how they first came across the band. It proved how appropriate the band’s recurring presence in the city has been, marking their 4th visit since 2022, with the Bristol crowd always showing love for sounds influenced across all continents, a passion for sincere music artistry and above-all an adoration for an excuse to dance.
The band, of course, did not let the local crowd down.
The first song the band performed was chilling, a lengthened intro sending reverberations of goosebumps across the punters within the room. They opened with ‘In Search of Yang’, the first track off of their recent album ‘Yatta’, an incredible theme song for the band to strut into the room. And they did.
The vocal samples orbited the hall, then, three strums..
The place lit up, literally and in motion.
Their unique disco feeling with undertones of south east asian folk brought movement from the front row to the very back. Amidst care-free folk throwing limbs awry, there were deep appreciaters nodding along, clumsy footed fans side stepping, a couple of finger waggers and an occasional elegant 360 spin. It felt like a time capsule, like I had entered a room in an age where music and instruments were genuinely appreciated again. Perhaps this lends once again to the ‘perfect arrangement’.
Visually, the staging suited the band perfectly. A middle clearance where Remy (bass) and Erik (guitar) would flitter between self-entrancement within their solos then firing away at each other through their instruments, facing off, peacocking centre-stage. Continuing on the album’s tracklist, the band played through ‘Spirit Adapter’ and ‘Elma’ and at this point, every disco bassline was utterly delicious.
Then came ‘Lecker Song’, very different but very consistent with the album’s theme of ‘East meets West, funk meets the cosmos’, it was transportive. I felt catapulted back in time to a desert somewhere in a distant planet. At this point, through the sweat fuelled mist, I landed back in the room noticing the band’s set up.
Kees on drums navigating the most complete percussion set up I’ve seen, with a set of chimes being teased between beats and a giant gong set up behind. Ritually this came into play throughout the night. Then there was Jerôme on his keyboards, synthesisers and other analog equipment stacked fort-like around him, emitting the most eccentric electronic whirps and chirps.
I thought to myself, it must be a delight being band mates with one another. They each took up the right amount of space and time. Every member has the right level of showmanship and an absurd amount of music intelligence.
This was really exhibited in ‘One Inch Punch’, the moment was outstandingly choreographed. The band playfully froze on beats, the crescendos lifted the room, then Remy and Erik would parade around the stage playing through the song, admiring the bouncing Bristolian crowd.
Everything felt so intentional. Yin Yin knew what we needed. Members would leave stage to give others the spotlight, they would play continuously to breed more and more energy, they would pause to instil suspense. When people needed to dance, the band would step up and make the people dance. When a break was needed, the energy would shift suitably, people would chill, frozen in awe.
At the summit of energy the band introduced ‘Yata Yata’ where the recent release finds its namesake. The danceability shone through this track, as the tempo territory reached new highs. Chanting ‘Yata Yata Yata Yata..’ a turbulent ocean of dancers swept Lantern Hall.
Next was ‘Ocho’. An unreleased gem from the band, a track that can only be found in the band’s live performances. Remember how I stated each member took up the right amount of space and time… well, this was Kees’ (drummer) moment. What followed was that impressive percussion set up being used to its maximum potential, a drum solo to end all solos, a crashing climax which reintroduced the rest of the band, as the room roared their appreciation to Berkers.
Kees then took to the mic, sharing anecdotes of his time in Bristol and a dear friend James - who was present in the crowd - explaining how they both now shared the similarity of fatherhood, breaking the news to his mate in front of the crowd. Then in an exuberant manner, Kees shared how Jerôme’s synthesisers are the perfect sonic distraction to his newborn’s tantrums and how his snare drums doubled up perfectly as a prop-up for his nappy-changing station. This vulnerability showed yet another angle on how you can’t help but love this band for who they are.
Together they played the epic ‘The Rabbit That Hunts Tigers’ and returned for an encore with ‘Takahashi Timing’ before reinstating their love for Bristol, a distinct gratitude to Nick from Erratic Batting and declaring one last dance for the crowd favourite ‘Dis Kô Dis Kô’.
I left that venue very satisfied, my heart was warmed, my metaphorical musical appetite had been stuffed and another well-deserved name had been added to my must-see-whenever-I-can-next list.
In a quest to add further names, I won’t be missing out on any of Erratic Batting’s next gig dates below, make sure you don’t either!
29.04.26 - Sababa 5 @ The Jam Jar, Bristol
18.05.26 - pôt-pot @ The Louisiana, Bristol
27.08.26 - Fulu Miziki @ The Jam Jar, Bristol
23.10.26 - Bel Cobain @ The Jam Jar, Bristol
Written by Brandon Purmessur
Opinion
