Yonaka 'Welcome To My House' Tour

Yonaka:

Last night at Camden's iconic venue, Yonaka yet again proved why they are one of the UK's hottest commodities in Alt. Rock. No matter what you want from a band, whether it be heavy riffs, relatable Iyrics or a high energy live presence, Yonaka have it in abundance. The trio (turned quartet when playing live) spent the early part of March touring around Europe in celebration of their most recent EP 'Welcome To My House'. However, the tour had to be put on hold when vocalist Theresa Jarvis lost her voice. During last night's gig Theresa told the audience that she has been mute for the last week; not only was it her first time singing for that long, but she hadn't even
spoke. There is no way a single person in Koko would`ve been able to tell had Theresa not mentioned, as her voice somehow was better than ever. This is pure credit to how far Theresa (and Yonaka as a whole) has come as a performer.

I've been lucky enough to be a fan of Yonaka for many years now, initially blown away by their 2017 ' Heavy EP. I've seen them perform in pubs, support slots, festivals and headline big rooms, but as cliché as it might sound, they really do get better every time. The Yonaka of yesteryear were full of talent and potential but could often have an air of self-doubt about them (albeit it was never that present in live
shows). The Yonaka that took the stage last night at Koko are self-assured Rockstars who have found their sound in the most authentic way, building a genuine connection with an army of 'creatures`. They have embraced their insecurities, overcome issues that could make
other bands pack it in, and channelled all their adversities into raw honest music that you cannot help but relate too. This is most notable when Theresa manages to open-up about her own mental health struggles to thousands every night, and you just know that there are so many in attendance who feel represented from this openness, myself included. A Yonaka show transcends music, it truly is a family meet up.

With a fanbase so devoted, and incredible songs that could carry a concert on their own, it would be very easy for Yonaka to rest on their
laurels. Just spend 5 seconds watching guitarist George Edwards and bassist Alex Crosby performing and you will see this is very much not the case. The two men must move more in an hour show than I have (and most likely will) use in a lifetime. The crowd can't help but respond to their energy, with mosh pits opening constantly through the set, and even a few rowing pits. Their energy is matched by Theresa's now iconic dancing, creating a truly unique experience that you could only get at a Yonaka show

The only negative for the night was that it flew by far quicker than anyone would have wanted, the band included. This is testament to how much fun a Yonaka show is, you never want it to end. The setlist was a perfect of songs from the band's debut album 'Don't Wait 'til
Tomorrow', their 'Seize the Power' mixtape, and all seven songs from most recent EP 'Welcome to My House'. There was even time to showcase tumultuous new single ' Predator

Whilst most of the set was this blissful high-velocity chaos, there was still time for a stunning acoustic rendition of 'Give Me My Halo'. SIowing for an acoustic versions of songs has become signature feat of Yonaka's headline shows, allowing the audience a moment to breathe, whilst showcasing the bands raw musical brilliance. 'Give Me My Halo' is one of Yonaka's most beautiful songs, shown by its nomination for SBTM Song of the Year last year, but this acoustic version made the song somehow even more emotional.

As final song of the night, 'Seize the Power, came to an end, it was clear that everyone in attendance had just witnessed something special. At its best live music can be one of the most enriching things on the planet, and there is no doubt any Yonaka show will fall into that category. However, last night at KOKO transcended that, it felt almost like a homecoming of a band who have firmly cemented their place in the industry.

There are still 6 dates left on this tour, and I cannot recommend enough that you head down to a show near you.

NOISY:

Next up was Worthing trio NOISY, who more than lived up to their name (wonder how many reviewers have/will use that line throughout
their career...). Vocalist Cody Matthew ordered several 'Rave Pits' to open as soon as he walked on stage, with the audience happily obliging. What followed was a fast-paced set fuelled by NOISY's mind blowing energy. Their music takes inspiration from rock and rave, with their live shows utilising the best parts of each genre. One second you have a hype man on stage getting you bouncing, the next he is stood shoulder to shoulder with you in the pit.

The trio is completed by the extremely impressive guitar work of Spencer Tobias-Williams, and the heavy-hitting synths of Connor Cheetham. The chemistry between all members is so clear to see, and its extension to their touring drummer makes their set even more infectious. NOISY put on as good a live show as anyone, and went down firm favourites with the Koko crowd, who made they were packed in early ready to watch sure both supports

Mimi Barks:

Opening the night was 'Doom Trapper' Mimi Barks, bringing her unique brand of gritty trap metal to the picturesque Koko, an oxymoron that couldn't have worked any better. Mimi had the crowd eating out the palm of her hands from the get-go, instantly raising the energy in the room ten-fold. If the crowd dare lower their levels, they were greeted with a signature guttural scream to pick it.

Mimi's stage presence was that of a fully-fledged headliner, in fact her presence was so huge the stage often couldn't contain it. She was constantly engaging with the audience, even ending her set in the middle of a mosh pit, sending the audience into chaos one last time

This set was just another example of why Mimi Barks is a must-see artist. She perfectly pairs the chaotic relatability of her recorded music, with the styling and delivery of an authentic artist, to put on a show you won't forget. Mimi is the future of UK metal