Yungblud at the Garage

Yungblud at the Garage | Live review

14^th September 2018

14 September 2018

With a name like Yungblud, one would probably expect to see yet another modern American urban artist, definitely not an alternative rocker from Doncaster. Though he would probably lose credibility if he went by his given name, Dominic Harrison.

Like a canon, the performer sprints and jumps his way across the stage, bringing us to the 21^st century with 21^st Century Liability. It doesn’t take long for the audience to catch his energy and reciprocate by jumping in unison. One minute he is rapping, the next he takes out a guitar for a song about Northern England. He proposes to the whole crowd in I Love You, Will You Marry Me? and since everyone is still leaping and screaming, the offer has surely been accepted.

The vocalist dedicates his debut single King Charles to Theresa May. Then, he shows his appreciation to the band by kissing his guitarist. This is not a regular pat on the back, but this is not a regular rock show either. Yungblud has qualities that make the “lad” stereotype endearing, like the charisma and charm, and, of course, being handsome – but without the attitude. In fact, he seems to be anti-lad, or anti most things, and he sings about that in Anarchist. Awareness of real, modern issues continues with Psychotic Kids. Mental illness is described in a way that is relatable to the kids. Next, he launches into Polygraph Eyes. Not a lot of 20-year-old males speak about consent, let alone write a full catchy song about it. It is a track people should be singing – a message that needs to be delivered – and it is heard loud and clearly by the Garage.

Songs like previously unreleased The Loner emphasise the strong British accent which makes the frontman sound reminiscent of Jamie T. But he is not constrained to one genre. Harrison shows he can sing naturally in Kill Somebody before belting out rock notes for California and Tin Pan Boy.

The crowd chants for one more song, and they’re given three. Machine Gun, a mashup of God Is a Woman with Heart-Shaped Box, and Die for the Hype. There is no perfect note to end a Yungblud show on, as each number receives as much applause as the last. It is a hard feat to keep the venue singing and moving for the entirety of the show, but this 20-year-old rocker has cracked it, and he will continue to do so.

★★★★★

Regan Harle
Photos: Nick Bennet

For further information and future events visit Yungblud’s website here.