Yonaka
Rough Trade // Brooklyn, NY // June 11th, 2019
Photos and review by Jess Williams
The sun was slowly setting over the East River on Tuesday night as people lined up outside of Brooklyn’s premiere record store, Rough Trade, for a debut performance by Yonaka. The British band arrived in New York City for their very first show in the Big Apple and New York turned out for them. The industrial venue created from deconstructed shipping containers was crowded with fans of all ages who were ready to party.
Yonaka took the stage and jumped right into their performance. Lead vocalist, Theresa Jarvis, took center stage donning an orange power jumpsuit accessorized with giant clothespins. Jarvis has quite the voice to match the powerful stage presence with shivers radiating down my spine the moment she began to sing the opening song.
Having released their debut record just shy of two weeks ago and recently signing to Atlantic Records subsidiary, Fueled By Ramen, Yonaka are surely making a name for themselves here in the states. Their blend of pop punk and indie pop creates a unique sound and when paired with their passionate stage presence, they will become a household name for sure.
My favorite moments of the evening’s performance included when guitarist George Webrouck-Edwards ripped his shirt off in the middle of the second song before falling to his knees while shredding and screaming into Jarvis’ microphone.
It is a refreshing experience to see a band that is new to the scene put on such a powerful first performance. Surely Tuesday night’s show was the first of many throughout New York City and across the states for Yonaka — I’m calling it now!
