Yak at The Joiners

The Joiners

Yak are a trio made of London based nuttahs, from Wolverhampton and New-Zealand, who find solace in dripping with sweat and making others do the same. With talent oozing from their pores, and front man Oliver Burslem's Mick Jagger crica '65 good looks, the band put on a show that leaves crowds with bruises on their knees. Although the trio has only been circulating around the indie rock scene since 2014, their notoriety is formed off the back of their ability to recreate a sound that is reminiscent of a scuzzy garage band from the '60s. The band have only this month released their debut album 'Alas Salvation' and are embarking on a tour which is proving their worth as musicians who aim to bring to crowds what their album title suggests.

The V2's (taken  by Rhona Murphy)

If you were looking for a Friday night full of sweat and beer fuelled civil disobedience than Southampton's The Joiners welcomed you with open arms. Kicking the night off were Bournemouth based boys The V2's. As somewhat local performers at The Joiners, they quickly filled up the floor with fans presumably the same age as quartet of sixth formers (I don't I think I've ever felt so old even when I wasn't holding a beer can). However, age seems to be irrelevant to The V2's, and given their performance history it evidently isn't a hindrance.  Their music is so full of catchy lyrics and fuzzy riffs that it's even caused Mac Demarco's mum to join their fanclub (supposedly). Covered in glitter and wearing coats with fringe The V2's performed a setlist to which the crowd shamelessly moshed to. Watch out 'cause for these southerners the only way is up.

Palm Honey

Following regulars The V2's were Palm Honey, the super psychedelic synthers from reading. This indie foursome greet the crowd with sugary-sweet sounds made up of poppy hooks and chill outed synths. The band's musical style seems to exist in the realms of psychedelia but with a darker twist, given that their lyrics are "super deep". However, it's unfortunate that some of this was lost in their performance given that lead singer Joesph Mumford's voice was distorted so much that it was hard to make out the band name let alone the lyrics, which contrasts their recorded stuff that you can find on the internet. Although in saying this the overall experience of their performance was submerging and indulgent, even if you struggled to sing along.

Yak

Last but not least, given that everyone had paid to see them, were Yak. Although a little late starting, the unruly threesome began their performance with no intention of lulling. From start to finish they performed a setlist that was made to be performed live and the crowd knew it. The push and shove of the crowd began as soon as they did, with Harbour the Feeling, moshing so much that front man Burslem was able to crowd surf within the first five minutes. Dripping with sweat and spitting for days, the band put on such a victorious show that bassist Andy Jones broke a bass string. Lapping up every tune with hungry eyes and hanging off of every hook the crowd were just as relentless as the band. When the trio ended the set with Plastic People followed by Jam, the audience sighed with relief as they realised, alas, Yak brought salvation.