YAAKS

By Charlotte Stones

Pretty much everyone watches out for new acts supported by BBC Introducing, especially with its past credentials with acts such as Biffy Clyro, Florence and the machine and White Lies, expectations are immediately set at a high level – which was undoubtedly reached by Eastbourne newcomers YAAKS. The 5-piece showcased their energy, but still somehow where ‘under the radar’ talent in the intimate BBC Introducing tent at Radio 1’s big weekend in Carlisle.

Even when faced with a rather underwhelming crowd full of “rain dodgers”, the band’s energy was not dampened and opening song ‘World Arms’ immediately filled the small tent and captured the attention of all. Following track ‘Cavalcade’ provided a more melodic soundtrack to the nodding heads and tapping toes of the Carlisle audience, which was handled well by the lead singer and well-balanced with the rest of the band.

You would think that with such intricate rhythm layering and carnival style dance beats in songs such as ‘Dusk’, that it may be challenging to go overboard on the liveliness of your set…in fact YAAKS proved this was not the case. Why can’t all bands have an immensely energetic percussionist who spends the majority of the set climbing the drums and just generally throwing himself about the stage? Perhaps the rest of the band were a little stationary, yet with one member so immensely filled with energy, it was hardly necessary to provide even more visual entertainment and considering the intricate guitar playing, it was more than understandable.

Despite previous static-ness, newly released debut single ‘HRHRHYTHM’ managed to single-handedly boost the entire band’s liveliness (even the previously animated percussionist upped his game), but was sadly not matched so well by the fairly immobile crowd, which was by no means deserved by the Eastbourne 5-piece. Set closer ‘Brklyn’ changed the crowd’s feel for the under the radar band, with its intense drum and percussion finale involving all band members and leaving somewhat surprised faces among the crowd.

YAAKS’ fantastically rhythmic, yet melodic style is one that puts them up there with bands like Friendly Fires and Foals. YAAKS are definitely ones who will not stay ‘undiscovered’ for much longer.