The Yeah Yeah Yeahs return to the Pageant Tuesday, playing one of their first dates of a world-conquering tour.
Their itinerary is a virtual victory lap after the release of their acclaimed third record, It’s Blitz.
The album, recorded out in the west Texas town of Tornillo, is more synth-heavy than previous efforts, though I think the shift is pretty subtle. The band again utilizes their whole arsenal - crackling and fuzzed out guitars, sex kitten vocals from Karen O and dance-inspiring hooks. The first two singles, ‘Zero’ and ‘Heads Will Roll’, should have the joint humming early.
I spoke with guitarist Nick Zinner shortly after the band returned from Tel Aviv where they opened for Depeche Mode. (How cool is that?)
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RC: Much has been made of the ‘new direction’ of the band on Its Blitz. What is the main change in your view?
NZ: There are obvious production changes in my view, but for the most part I feel the core of what we do is still there. It’s just in a different shell. In our opinion, change is good and its ultimately far more risky not to take a risk.
RC: How have the new songs been received live so far?
NZ: some of the new songs have been getting the biggest reaction of the entire set so far. We were pretty surprised but definitely happy.
RC: How do you tease so many different sounds out of the guitar?
NZ: I get bored easily, so I’m always looking to try something new, be it sound or instrument. My guitar pedal collection is getting a bit ridiculous.
RC: Do you enjoy playing the festivals or does get old at all?
NZ: I enjoy seeing new bands and the challenge of playing for different crowds. Every show is quite different, so it never gets old.
RC: When did you get into photography and what types of photos do you most enjoy shooting on the road?
NZ: I got into photography in high school, and basically never stopped shooting. I’ve been documenting, mostly for my own purposes, just about every aspect of what we’re doing: every crowd, every bed, all the people we meet and situations we are in. Aside from journalistic reasons, every once in a while I’m able to get an image that transcends the what and the where, and thats what I’m looking for.
RC: How does it feel to have millions playing your riff on fake plastic guitars on Rock Band? Have you played your own song on Rock Band?
NZ: I haven’t played it yet, but it’s truly amazing to watch families all over the world on YouTube play something you wrote in your bedroom.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Grand Ole Party and Pajo
8 pm Tuesday, $25
http://www.myspace.com/yeahyeahyeahs

Click here for our full event listing.

Click here to see some of Zinner’s photos.