YONAKA // MANCHESTER ACADEMY, MANCHESTER
Tonight’s show saw Brighton born Yonaka play Manchester’s Academy 2 with support from Zuzu and Rusalka.
YONAKA PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER’S ACADEMY - 21.11.2019
PICTURE BY: | KIRSTY LEANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Rusalka took to the stage shortly after doors opened to entertain the crowd. She arrived on stage with just her keyboard ready to perform for the audience which continued to grow as her set progressed. Her slow ballads had the audience under a trance, the room listened to her intently. Her turnout was very good and made the wait from doors opening more enjoyable. Her music is both peaceful and calming, a real easy listener.
Next up was Zuzu. Having seen Zuzu several times before I was optimistic she’d play an entertaining set, she didn’t disappoint. Her bubbly personality shines through her performance earning her some banter driven exchanges from the crowd which she appears to love. Her catchy songs had the audience bopping along from start to finish. With the backing of her band she successfully keeps the crowd engaged. As she begins a Lizzo cover the audience is introduced to yet another side of Zuzu, her sass shines through. The audience sings along in parts. The crowd cheers as the band exits the stage. Zuzu’s set is definitely one to experience if given the chance!
Finally, it was time for Yonaka. The four piece take to the stage and are met by screams and cheers from the excited audience. The front row was extremely passionate, singing along with the bands every word. The band have an indescribable energy, energy radiates from both the guitarist and the bassist who don’t stand still throughout the set.
Frontwoman Theresa can be seen beaming as she takes in the energy from the audience, she asks “How the fuck are you doing?” which earns even more screams from the packed out academy room. She goes on to say how excited they’ve been to play the show and exclaims how good it is to be there. The audience screams once more. The crowd can frequently be heard singing along with the frontwoman word for word, there’s so much energy in the room.
As the band dance with the crowd the heat rises in the room, it suddenly gets very sweaty! The crowd continues to cheer as the band perform, audience members on the front row frequently engage with the band which results in the exchanging of smiles. There’s such a positive atmosphere present within the room, so much love! Theresa is lit by single spotlights, illuminating her vibrantly blue hair as the set progresses. Frequent seas of clapping echo across the room as the audience dance and sing along with the band. “There’s so much energy in this room, so much fucking energy” Theresa exclaims as she encourages the crowd to “Go abit crazy alright” which the audience happily oblige.
The crowd begins singing loudly once again. As Own Worst Enemy progresses she climbs onto the crowd to sing with them. The track ends with deafening applause and cheers from the audience. She thanks the crowd. She proceeds to reveal the show is the second biggest they’re playing on this tour so thanks them again for coming and making it happen for them. The announcement of Creeper being the next track on the setlist earns even more cheers from the crowd. The crowd claps along with the track much to the delight of the band.
The crowd proceeds to jump along with the frontwoman once more. As Death By Love begins the room starts to jump again, as if the energy levels could get much higher! No matter where the audience member is stood in the room, be that at the front or at the back they’re dancing along regardless. The show has such positive energy. As the crowd cheers they echo across the room continuously. As Guilty(For Your Love) is about to begin the band ask if they can perform it more stripped back. The crowd agrees. The band’s set is full of energy from both the band and the fans, the fans never stop singing and cheering which delights the band. The set ends with F.W.T.B.
Having never seen Yonaka previously I was intrigued to what their set would entail, their sets are so much fun. Go and see them if you get the chance!
SETLIST: | YONAKA : MANCHESTER ACADEMY, MANCHESTER - 21.11.2019
Punch Bag
Awake
Lose Our Heads
Wake Up
Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow
Bad Company
Own Worst Enemy
Creature
Death By Love
Guilty (For Your Love) - (Acoustic)
Rock Star
Teach Me To Fight
Fixed Up
F.W.T.B