Page 48 - Black Velvet Issue 97

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ANDREW W.K. / YONAKA - BIRMINGHAM O2 INSTITUTE, 15.04.18
Sunday nights aren't often associated with partying, but the O2 Institute 2 doesn't have a choice as Andrew W.K. is in town in support of his brand
new album 'You're Not Alone'.
Up and coming band Yonaka step up to get the night underway, bringing elements of fiery headbanging rock and a whole lot of attitude. Right from
the off your eyes are drawn to frontwoman Theresa Jarvis, who's stage presence isn't to be faulted. During songs such as 'Bubblegum' she roams the
stage as if she owns it. It's clear that this band’s intentions are big, and they are certainly one to keep an eye out for as it will be no surprise if they are
a force to be reckoned with in the future.
In the minutes building up to Andrew's entrance, chants of "party, party, party" fill the room from a very excited crowd. Mr W.K.'s band take to the
stage, an impressive seven-piece as a whole, with no less than 3 guitarists, but it is not until the main man makes his entrance until the room is
bouncing. Opening with 'Music Is Worth Living For' from the new album, fans meet it with the same enthusiasm as if it was one of his classics, and it
really demonstrates what Andrew W.K. has always been about, positive vibes and having a good time!
It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since the mammoth debut album 'I Get Wet', and it seems not a lot has changed since then. Andrew
W.K. hasn't aged a bit, is still dressed in his classic all-white outfit, but most surprisingly his energy hasn't been hampered in the slightest; all the way
through the set he is like a fireball and the only time he does stop is to deliver a monster guitar solo leading into old favourite ‘She Is Beautiful’ and a
killer keyboard solo before ‘We Want Fun’. The mix of old and new songs go down an absolute treat with the audience, and first-time goers probably
wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
As the set nears its close the crowd aren't slowing down; you really do have to stop and check that you're at a rock concert and not an actual party,
as you wouldn't be blamed for making that mistake! The band themselves look like they're having the time of their lives up there, finishing the main
set with ‘You're Not Alone’. Unsurprisingly, the encore again consists of chants of ‘party, party’, and the night is rounded off by the blockbuster ‘Party
Hard’, Andrew teases the crowd by making them wait, asking everyone to get down to the floor and counts down from 100, yes 100! As the song kicks
in chaos erupts. We really hope the good reception to the new material is a good sign of things to come for Andrew W.K., as we certainly want to see
him bring his party back to the UK.
YYYY
Sam Robinson
Andrew W.K. Photo By Sam Robinson

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