If we consider lo-fi punk as an artistic expression, then Swedish punks Yikes undeniably deserve a prominent position in the gallery. Their latest release, 'Ciao,' vividly portrays relentless efforts to break free from drug abuse, misery, and chaos. The stripped-down sound, adorned with a chaotic charm, coupled with the lo-fi recording, amplifies the artist's energy and creativity. For any aspiring DIY bands, Yikes serves as an exemplary model to emulate.
Yikes brings forth a punk concoction designed for the club environment, with production assistance from the minds behind Viagra Boys and Stella Explorer. Collaborating with Pelle Gunnerfeldt and Fabian Berglund/DJ Haydn for his self-titled debut EP, which was released on May 26, Yikes crafts an uncompromising piece heavily influenced by punk rock and club culture.
Zacharias Zachrisson, formerly known as Vacation Forever and Tussilago, assumes a raw and rapid persona that defies categorization. With one foot planted in punk and the other immersed in the club scene, Yikes infuses his music with a cartoonish directness. The result is a furious amalgamation of choppy early 90s-inspired production and impactful punk lyrics, creating a stellar missile of unleashed anger and energy, as aptly described by Robin Murray of Clash Music.
For his EP, 'Yikes,' released on May 26, Zachrisson joined forces with producers Pelle Gunnerfeldt (of Viagra Boys) and Fabian Berglund/DJ Haydn (from Stella Explorer and Deki Alem). The goal was to create something uncompromising and fast, drawing inspiration from both the punk scene and rave culture. "Don't sing tight, don't sing with rhythm, and no melodies," instructed Gunnerfeldt at Studio Robotberget. After three takes, they had improvised the first single, and within three days, the EP was complete.
Review by Thomas Imposter