More about: Yonaka

YONAKA burst triumphantly onto the alternative scene with their debut Don’t Wait 'Til Tomorrow in 2019: it's a great album that really explored YONAKA’s talent. Back again on a new label, the band are serving their new mixtape Seize The Power.

'Ordinary' opens the mixtape in superb style. Huge, soaring choruses and thundering drums combine to create a track that will really get the crowd going. It’s upbeat and melancholic at the same time - Theresa Jarvis rages with all the prowess of Hayley Wiliams, channeling her inner pop-punk. Without warning, the track spins on its heel to become a bizarre electronic number before reverting back to where it began. An interesting opener, that's for sure. 

Next, and the title track sounds pure Kanye: the opening of this track could be taken straight from Yeezus and the flow of the opening lines sounds like Ye’s delivery on 'Black Skinhead'. The Yeezus flow is apparent throughout, but is spliced with massive, Dua Lipa-style choruses too. The poppy theme continues as YONAKA power into 'Get Out', a four to the floor beat is layered with synths and groovy bass.

YONAKA seem more vulnerable than rage-filled on this track, but 'Get Out' is prime Radio 1 gear. I get the sense that YONAKA are going to grow a fanbase away from the more rock and alt scene with the release of this mixtape...'Raise Your Glass' is pure Taylor Swifit, sounding like a cut right from 1989. 

Closer 'Anthem' is the real standout on the mixtape: a piano-led ballad, soaring vocals and a sense of vulnerability are apparent throughout. 

Overall, this is a decent offering from YONAKA. They mix their influences well, though they could do with putting more of their own spin on the material... Seize The Power feels more like a collection of work rather than an album with a theme, but nevertheless, it really works.

Seize The Power arrives 16 July via Creature Records.

More about: Yonaka