Yonaka at the Garage for NME Awards Shows 2018

No icy weather could have ever stopped the explosion of rock happening at the Garage for Yonaka’s mid-week gig. Exuberant and eclectic, the Brighton-based band opened the night with Ignorance, one of the hits that set the four-piece on the road to success. Moving from bubbly hip hop to rock riffs, the music showcased the group’s multifaceted talent, which is unique in their perfect mixing of genres.

The concert featured tracks from Yonaka’s latest released album Heavy and new songs, such as Mockstar and Real Love, all to be really excited about. Run was the night’s highlight, presenting sudden changes in the rhythm – so representative of the artists – with frontwoman Theresa Jarvis touching a rather broad vocal spectrum, particularly strong on the melodic parts of the track. The singer marvellously performed both soft pop tunes as well as screamed sections all across the setlist. With non-stop energy, she animated the whole night. George Edwards was a show apart. By playing his instrument with exceptional gusto and fiery passion, the guitarist sent each and every song to another level.

In the middle of the gig, the band delivered a cover of Post Malone’s I Fall Apart, with Jarvis accompanied by The Amazons’ singer Matt Thompson. The two voices performed a wonderful rock rendition of the hip-hop tune. Though slowed down in pace for the ordinary strong accents of the group, this was simply an unforgettable moment of the night, creating a soft atmosphere still carrying all the intense tunes of a thrilling hour.

Better Than This was a gem, gifted only by the vocals and guitar, the thunderous elements of the group. Drongo saw a vigorous sing-a-long by the crowd. There were not many words between the songs, apart from repeated thanks from Jarvis for such a wonderful London concert.

The night closed on Bubblegum and Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya. The pop, the groove and, predominantly, the rock of the music left good vibes and lively notes reverberating with the flashing lights around the venue. The freshness and vibrancy of Yonaka is impressive, and made their show an extraordinary event.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Guifré de Peray

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

Watch the video for Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya here: