Hot Take returns to YES this July with two weekends of live music showcasing some of the most exciting emerging artists from Manchester and beyond. Curated by Now Wave, the series offers a snapshot of the new sounds bubbling up across the independent music scene.
Friday 10 July is headlined by Hank Bee, the solo project of Liverpool-based, Northumbrian songwriter Hannah Brown. Expect alternative folk-rock songs drawn from her excellent A Sudden Hankering EP. Joining her are New Jersey’s Topsoil, whose sound blends punk, ska and bluegrass influences into an energetic and distinctive live show.
On Saturday 11 July, Leeds electronic duo KiosK bring their dance-punk-inspired sound to YES. Influenced by the city’s DIY scene, their music moves between post-punk-inflected dance beats, dreamy soundscapes and pounding techno noise, with recent single Heaven Sent capturing all sides of their sound. Also on the bill is Maximillion, whose catchy synth-pop recalls Pet Shop Boys and Echo & The Bunnymen, while Poor Effort complete the line-up with their more acerbic, upbeat, keyboard-led approach.
The second weekend kicks off on Friday 17 July with Hungry who take to the stage riding high on the back of recent single Cambridge Is On Fire and a support slot with Gans. They are joined by The Speed Of Honey and Her Oscillations to round out the evening.
The final night on Saturday 18 July features Leeds band Normal Village, whose highly rated post-punk combines jangly guitars with an unwieldy, Smiths-inspired energy that promises a lively live show. Also appearing are WHTVRNS, who have already built a reputation in Manchester with their thunderous blend of post-shoegaze and hardcore, showcased on recent single Silence (Calling Your Name). Completing the line-up are Manchester five-piece Cob, whose ambitious debut single Breathing left a strong impression thanks to its combination of post-hardcore, post-punk, guitar and fiddle.
