We Say…
Formed in Glasgow by a pair of Salsa dancers back in 2013, Yakima have been working on their music for many years. Rehearsing in the draughty gate house of a nearby castle, with, “a ceiling made entirely of spider webs”, they formed the tracks they’d bring to the studio and craft into their debut EP, which they’re in the process of promoting now.
The band have so far shared two tracks from the record; Judy’s Lament was perfectly lo-fi, a wistful, melancholic lullaby, while their most recent offering, Point Of This is a classic slice of jangling-pop, in the mould of Teenage Fanclub or Parquet Courts. Yakima’s music has been a long time in the making and sounds all the better for it, perfectly crafted alternative-pop that’s ready to make a huge splash.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who are Yakima?
Paul: We’re a four-piece based in Glasgow. We all met at different stages – some of us through childhood and teenage years and others through later musical projects. Having all spent time drifting in and out of various bands, we eventually got together and settled into Yakima; making it the main outlet for our music. We like it.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
Kay: Our first show was in the bowels of Stereo, Glasgow. It was dark and sweaty with not a lot of audience. The people who were there said they enjoyed it. One voice could even be heard through the post-song silence saying “Oh, I liked that one!”
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
Neil: I guess we were probably drawn to it without making a conscious decision. It started as a hobbie but became an obsession. It really does feel like the most expressive art form there is to us.
FTR: What can people expect from the Yakima live show?
John: When we’ve not played in a while, people should expect a little bit of shyness and a smidge of awkwardness from us. It’s cool, we start to enjoy the set on the last song – resulting in 7 encores which includes a rotating drum platform and swing harnesses that allow us to fly over the crowd.
FTR: What’s next for Yakima?
Neil: Lots more shows.
John: …and NASA stuff.
Paul: We’re playing at the Hug and Pint in Glasgow soon.
Kay: December 7th!
They Listen To…
Neil’s Choice: Fallin’ Rain – Link Wray
Kay’s Choice: Deep Pockets – Gaz Coombes
John’s Choice: Minetta Creek – Blood Orange
Paul’s Choice: Middle East Dub – King Tubby and The Skatalites
Band Choice: I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
Point Of This is out now. Click HERE for more information on Yakima.
For The Rabbits 
Intrigued and impressed by these and their 2 songs available – even though I am not a fan of Teenage Fanclub and most of their music choices in this blog. The strength of the songs wins out, so they’re onto something special. And seem friendly and self-deprecating with it: maybe too self-deprecating, which can put people off about how serious they are. Each to their own. Need to get their Bandcamp sorted as it’s empty. And twitter says they were recording an album during 2017 – hope the fruits of that, possibly re-worked / now funded?, are as promising and great as these 2 songs.