The UK alternative rock band, Y!kes, have recently released their debut EP on the 21st February 2020.
The 5 track EP ‘Everything pointless is Correct’ uses gritty guitar riffs and solos to drive the poetically charged lyrical content throughout each track.
The band have an individual sound using a natural blend of 90’s retro rock/ grunge and accompanying it with modern influence.
Their gravelly sound is similarly partnered with brilliant theatrics and comedy, seen in both of the music videos for ‘Hiding in plain sight’ and ‘Hold on to your grudge’.
The first track of the ‘EP’, Chekhov’s Gun Theory, initially begins with a slow, coarse grungy riff. The track offers a short build-up before continuing with the quieter melody.
It is not long after that however until Liam Howard, on guitar and vocals, begins to push the energy forward and take the track into a stronger direction.
Oli Long’s break into a more ‘distorted’ vocalisation builds the texture of the track, along with the aid of TJ Weston, on the Drums and Matt Ford, on Bass. The track develops a strong ambient and completely contrasts the initial stillness of ‘Chekhov’s Gun Theory’.
‘Hold On To Your Grudge’, the second release on the ‘EP’ is one which is especially easy to find yourself singing to. The energy that the band bring to this track heightens the allure of the unique melody and confidence that Y!kes create.
All the elements that make ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ successfully cooperate in creating the memorable track. Not only does the lyrical depth grab attention, but the theatricality of the music video is also hard to forget. The humour and unique thought behind it create a comedically intriguing piece but visually and audibly.
The ‘EP’s third track, ‘Repeat The Objective’, is much more focused on the bass guitar and drums as a way of powering the track. The track is filled with angst and diverts to a slightly ‘rockier’ sound. The unexpected guitar solo again adds so much more power and drama to the track and is juxtaposed perfectly by the relaxed tone in Oli Long’s vocals.
‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, the fourth track has a slightly more ‘punk rock’ feel in comparison to track three but continues to endorse the deep lyrical content and moody guitar riffs that punctuate the ‘EP’. This track, in particular, has a powerful emotional undertone to it requiring it to be slightly softer than the previous tracks.
Spitfire Salutes is a brilliant ending to the ‘EP’ as it very much reflects on all the genres and elements that collectively make up the ‘Everything pointless is Correct’ EP. Jammed with grunge and angst and reflective of each persona involved in the band.
Upcoming live dates:
6th March — Subside, Birmingham (Supporting Sister Shotgun)
30th March — The Jacaranda, Liverpool (Headline)