I Think I’m Right Where I Belong

A lot has changed over the past seven years. There’s been a whole dang pandemic since then, not to mention all of the new things happening in my personal life. I feel like a whole new person in an entirely new world when looking back at everything back in 2018, yet somehow, it felt like nothing had changed at all since then when I walked into The Green Room on Saturday night. Okay, I’m being dramatic and just fishing for a good intro for this post because, honestly, I don’t have one, but I really couldn’t help but think back to the first time I saw the headlining act that played on Saturday night because, although everything has changed, some things have stayed the same.

Before I get into the headlining set of Saturday night, let’s talk about the opening set from gorgeous songstress Misty Boyce. Misty sings songs about God, mommy issues, and breakups. That sounds simple enough, right? Well, nothing about Misty’s sound of energy is simple. She had me on my toes throughout her beautiful opening set. There were moments of pure bliss where, like her, I felt my eyes closing as I just got completely lost in her sweet singer-songwriter-styled songs. There were other moments where I felt a subtle sense of rage and aggression build up in me as you could hear her voice get stronger and stronger with certain words. Although versatile, there was a common thread throughout the set: the sheer beauty that radiated from Misty and her fantastic band.

Although there is no denying the beauty and magic that happened during Misty’s set, it was oddly understated for the night. Not only was it Saturday night, but we were at a youthful venue where you could feel the electricity in the air as everyone was (im)patiently waiting for the headlining act. Unfortunately, I feel like that meant there were a lot of conversations as Misty performed. I did my best to tune them out and loved the fact that they didn’t stop Misty and her band from giving one hell of a vulnerable and perfect set. All that being said, I was a bit relieved when the opening set came to an end. I know that sounds terrible, but, come on, it was a Saturday night. I was in the mood to party and dance around a bit, but that wasn’t the vibe I got from Misty’s set. I repeat, again, this is not a knock on her set. It was gorgeous and full of heart, but just not what I wanted for my Saturday night. What I wanted was Yam Haus.

As mentioned, my introduction to this band was all the way back in 2018 when they opened up for Whosah (whatever happened to that amazing band?!) at the 7th Street Entry. Although I have seen Yam Haus many times since that fateful night, I look back on that cold February night in 2018 the most because there was so much fire and charm behind this band’s performance. Although we are years past that, and this band has clearly proven that they are a true powerhouse of a band touring the country and making Minnesota proud with every stop, they still have that fire and charm. Seeing that on stage on Saturday night was just what I wanted and was just one of the many things about their set that made it the perfect way to spend my evening.

Playing through a bit of everything but putting the spotlight on new tracks, I loved how, although years have passed, this band has not changed. Their pop-driven songs still come off as obnoxiously infectious but with this subtle party-boy kind of energy behind them. They are cute and playful but, as the members of this band age, you can feel a bit more heartbreak behind some of the tracks and a bit more angst behind others. I feel like some of their new music focuses a bit more on guitar-driving tracks that rip and make you want to dance rather than innocent pop songs that make you want to “Shake Yer Hips” (which is a single off of their EP ‘Stupid & Famous’ from October of last year) but, really, every song this band played on Saturday night made you want to move in one way or another.

Hearing and seeing this band after a quick break from seeing them was great, but there was one particular moment that struck me. After just a few songs, vocalist Lars Pruitt took a second to address the packed (and uber-young) audience. He talked about how crazy it is to look out in the crowd and see so many familiar faces that date back to day one of this band. He went on to talk about how it makes things feel a bit more raw; he feels more vulnerable when he can look out and think about a personal relationship with people in the audience. I mean, that’s an obvious one, right? You’re pouring your heart out to the audience, and, typically, when you don’t know anyone in said audience, it’s a bit easier, so when in front of hundreds of people who really know you, it makes it more difficult. I get it, it makes sense, but I think hearing how he explained it all added a sparkle to the sentiment that made me feel so warm and cozy.

From the new songs to the old throwbacks that the band played (I was so stoked that they played their 2019 song “Get Somewhere”– what a bop!), I loved dancing my way through the night. Sure, I was easily one of the oldest ones in the audience outside of parents and other various family members, but that didn’t stop me from loving every second of every song from this truly legendary local band. I’m not sure why they took a little break or why it’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen them on a flyer, but I am absolutely thrilled to say, Welcome back, boys– welcome back.