Since a support slot with Peace back in 2015, Yak have shot right into the epicentre of indie rock with their debut album ‘Alas, Salvation’. In support of this album, the London trio embarked on a UK tour, bringing their rodeo-tinged riot to the south coast with a show at the Wedgewood Rooms.
Opening proceedings were local four-piece Fever shooting through a 30 minute set, with a tightness and collection of songs reeking of a grunge/indie crossover. Debut single Shell Shock found itself slamming straight into the ears of the crowd, with their latest single Sucker rounding off their set, leaving us all eager for more.
Up next were tour support Goat Girl, an all girl four-piece causing a bit of a stir at the moment. Goat Girl sauntered their way through a set of brilliantly atmospheric songs, with the initially small crowd growing to bare witness to a band you’ll most definitely want to keep an eye out for.
Of course, with both support acts out the way, it was time to brace ourselves for the head-splitting kick in the face Yak were to bring.
Raucously opening up with Harbour The Feeling, the crowd went into an immediate frenzy – feeding off the energy the trio produced.
Rambling their way through a 60s inspired set primarily from their first album, Yak struck straight through the Wedgewood Rooms like lightning, leaving a mess in their wake. Exercising their nuclear sound, Use Somebody, Take It and Curtain Twitcher resulted in the crowd and band dousing in sweat and glory, setting Yak in a league of their own.
Dripped into a non-stop surge of psychedelia were gut-busting statements in the form of Victorious (National Anthem) and Alas Salvation before plunging right back into a world of drooling guitars and a bass sure to blow the speakers at any moment. With the shattering strength of Andy Jones’ bass, it’s really a wonder how the small venue’s PA held out as long as it did.
The sonic assault that is Hungry Heart led into a ten minute closing of shredding guitars, drum fills from Elliot Rawson and one final flint of Victorious (National Anthem) pioneered by frontman Ollie Burslem. Cool as ever, Yak departed ready to carry their roadshow on to the masses.
Yak give off something no other band has, and that’s the sheer energy that’s so far out even the venue PA struggles to keep up. In an age of non-stop indie pop bands emerging, all following the formula of patterned shirts and intricate riffs, Yak burrow themselves deep in your ear drums with a proper rock ‘n’ roll show of blood, sweat and tears.
Alas, Salvation is here.
Words by Jasmin Robinson