Yak Attack: Following Yak

Yak Attack: Following Yak

Following alternative rockers Yak’s busy year, which saw the release of their second album Pursuit of Momentary Happiness (February) and their most recent E.P. Atlas Complex (November), it only seemed fitting to spend their busy day with them at their instore session at Vinilo Record Store and their show at The Joiners later that evening. 

(You can also read my exclusive interview with them HERE)

The Wolverhampton-based trio sit quietly in Vinilo’s small record store. Vocalist, Oli Burslem sits at an angle to the audience so he is facing away with his hood firmly up. It adds a sense of endearment to his performance given that no one can see his face yet can only hear his voice and catch the occasional glimpse of his Jagger-style lips. His voice works well on a stripped back set and it’s outstanding to hear them exposed and raw. They open with track ‘Heavens Above’ as Burslem’s vocals reflect Damon Albarn as the crowd listen absorbedly. Despite the set being honest and simple, none of the vigour is lost from the track. It still contains the same dynamism as the original hectic song- but Burslem’s ability to adapt is something that is magic.

“It’s weird singing without a microphone,” he admits and, given his body language, you can tell Burslem is more confident performing on a larger stage, exposing his hectic ability. The set at Vinilo seems unrehearsed. Drummer Elliot Rawson is waiting occasionally for ques from Burslem to finish the song and bassist, Vincent Davies does the same. However, the messy gloss to the show adds to Yak’s character and aesthetic.

Following them to The Joiners later this evening, there is already a completely different sense of atmosphere- it’s excitement and rebellious. The set sees Yak play older tracks combined with the more recent and although the set is energetic, untamed and chaotic, there is lack of chemistry between the trio. Formed in 2014, the band are still relatively recent and despite changes in line up throughout the years, the band’s music had not felt any resenting hit from that. 

However, as previously mentioned, the music has not taken any toll despite the band’s obvious lack of chemistry. Burslem is a force of nature and his showmanship is something of a treat. The set comes across as a lot more rehearsed than the instore session and the ferocious sound of Yak is enjoyed in a more abrasive manner. You can tell the trio are used to lack of structure and in all environments it works. Burslem exclaims throughout the set that this will be the last time Yak come to Southampton and the audience use that as one last excuse to throw themselves around to the trios frenzied music.

Yak are creative and their music reeks of originality, but despite the continued support of the music industry, it feels that this could be the end of a disordered chapter.