The much acclaimed Hopscotch tour came to Patterns with Radio X DJ Jack Saunders compiling one of the best line-ups of the year. This saw Stereo Honey, Anteros and Yonaka playing together for free in a night that exhibited just how fresh and diverse the up-and-coming music scene is and the power of the dynamic, all encompassing frontwoman.
First up was London’s Stereo Honey, an 80s style band who wear their influences firmly on their sleeve. Playing to a fairly small crowd which grew song by song, they showcased their style of indie-pop in singles such as ‘The Heart’ and ‘The Bay’ which carry influences from everyone from alt-J to Muse, to 80s icons Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. Lead singer Pete Restrick’s soothing, high-pitched vocals are the most unique aspect to them and it’s only a matter of time before they’re headlining these sorts of venues for themselves.
Anteros were up next. I reviewed them before, stating that frontwoman Laura Hayden was exceptional and easily the strongest part of the band and the same can be said again. She’s a compelling and energising presence and her interactivity with the crowd is phenomenal. Whether she’s singing in a fan’s face, bouncing around the stage or throwing shapes, it feels like the performance is for you and only you and that’s a talent not many can say they have. Songs such as ‘Drunk’ and brand new single ‘Bonnie’ have a Blondie-esque quality to them: thumping basslines, great backing vocals and a confident croon from Hayden. They’re a band that will go far and, going on the crowd’s barminess towards them, they already have the fanbase to sell-out venues like this.
The atmosphere of the evening changed when Brighton’s own Yonaka came to the stage. Blown away was the softer side of indie and in came Yonaka’s now trademark mix of heavy rock and grime. It’s a completely unique mix that sounds like it wouldn’t work on paper, but songs like EP opener ‘Bubblegum’ mix Stormzy-like vocal aggressiveness with Queens of the Stone Age-style riffs. That’s not the only weapon in their armoury, however, as songs such as EP track ‘All in My Head’ is a poppier side to Yonaka never seen before. Likewise, single ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya’ is an arrant heavy-rock banger.
Everything on the night goes through frontwoman Theresa Jarvis who is an absolute powerhouse of a performer. Making the best use out of not having a guitar to weigh her down, she’s constantly moving, interacting with the crowd and skanking her heart out. For a band who are so heavy it’s surprising how, firstly, they make such a complex racket with one guitar and one bass and, secondly, how danceable their music is in a live atmosphere. This is especially true with set opener ‘Run’ and ‘Gods & Lovers’ which go down extremely well with the crowd considering they’re mere weeks old.
Ultimately, Saunders and Hopscotch have put on a near-legendary night and tour that people will look back on with misty-eyed disbelief. It’s also a night that showcased the sheer ability of Hayden and Jarvis to captivate and entertain a crowd with ease.
Liam McMillen
Website: weareyonaka.com
Facebook: facebook.com/weareYONAKA
Twitter: twitter.com/weareYONAKA
Read our interview with Yonaka: https://brightonsfinest.com/html/index.php/new-music-interviews/1239-yonaka-interview-2016