Yeti's - Demon Dive Bar

★★★
comedy review (edinburgh) | Read in About 2 minutes
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Published 12 Aug 2016
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Anyone considering a visit to Yeti's Demon Dive Bar should note the act's aspiration to be the "boisterously off-beat lovechild of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Mighty Boosh." Those who appreciate camp, envelope pushing musical numbers and lo-fi whimsy will certainly find much to admire in the hour-long show, yet few will love it unreservedly. A sense of contrivance hangs over proceedings, the pair evidently more interested in following in their heroes' footsteps than striking out on their own.

The large capacity room betrays hopes of establishing a new cult hit, but these things can't be forced. The duo nevertheless enjoy subjecting the audience to a barrage of manic energy from the moment the doors open, showing us to our seats and exchanging in frenzied pleasantries. The character of Yeti herself allows for a beguiling introduction, but a sudden shift into profane song feels premature and blandly devoid of context.

Carnivalesque attractions such as conjoined twins and disembodied heads are wheeled out before us and lend the show a consistent visual—if not comedic—aesthetic. Surrealist hits like those of the Boosh succeed because their comedy inhabits a world with its own internal logic, something Yeti's are yet to create. This is a promising, amusing double act, but one in need of an original voice.