Yonaka, Snayx, and Knife Bride Live at Limelight 2 in Belfast
On September 29, the Irish Sea ferried in three of the best bands Brighton, England has to offer. Giddy with excitement I collect my photo pass at the door of Limelight 2 in Belfast, and sit front and centre waiting patiently for opener Knife Bride to take to the stage.
KNIFE BRIDE
I've followed Knife Bride since their debut singles back in 2022 previously travelling to Glasgow, Scotland and Bedford, England to see them play. Finally on tour on my home turf, the challenge was if I could even get any photos jumping along and belting out every word.
Now with two EPs and six other singles under their belt, the four-piece have homed in on the sound that can only be described as Knife Bride themselves. Opening with atmospheric, synth driven track “Lilies" the crowd is eased into what is to come. Singer Mollie's siren-like vocals draw you in before drummer Sean's rhythmic beats get the groove going. Guitarist Sean's (different Sean) and Bass player Craig's thundering instruments make this such a unique track.
“Crucify” is up next which can also be found on their most recent EP Sorry for the Plague is Knife Bride at their purest. Craig's incredible screams take a much greater presence in this track, the drum beat, bounce of guitar, clanky bass and dreamy vocals will have you tw- stepping into the sunset.
Stand alone singles “Melancholia” and “Fang Dummy” are up next arguably the definition of new and old Knife Bride respectively. The evening is closed out by tracks “Poisoned by God”, “Alone at the Alter” both from their latest EP and fan favourite “Worthy.” Truly a spectacular opening band and hope to see them back soon headlining.
SNAYX
Next up is Snayx. I hadn't heard of this band before tonight and was interested to see what they had in store and holy hell did they raise the roof. What I would describe as Fountains D.C. meets the Prodigy with a whole lot of punk, their live show takes their studio tracks and turns them up to 11.
Singer Charlie simply doesn't play by the rules. As opener “Brain Cellz” starts he's already standing on the barrier shouting in the faces of the front row. The second track is “Nice Day 4 It” super catchy and had the crowd chanting the chorus.
Ollie's thunderous bass and drummer Lainey’s hypnotic beat had us in the palm of their hands. “Goldstar" was next up, their upcoming single due out in October. Followed by a set of unreleased tracks which I can't wait to hear recorded and hope this is a nod to an EP or album in the works. By the end of their set Charlie had climbed the mixing desk and was screaming out set closer “Violence.” This trio are onto something special and were more than happy to hang around after to get photos and chat to their fans. These guys are not to be slept on!
YONAKA
If all that wasn't exciting enough we still had headliners Yonaka to take to the stage. With around a 20 minute switch over time it was full steam ahead. A quick peek over the stage and I spied a 19-song set list spanning from their second EP Teach Me to Fight from 2018, right the way through to their latest album Unit You're Satisfied released earlier this year, which debuted at number 25 on the UK album charts.
Having a few dates in Dublin under their belt in the last few years this is their first time back in Belfast since 2017. I'm sure I can speak for everyone here that they are most certainly welcome back after all this time.
The music between bands ends, Yonaka's hugely impressive lightshow begins. Bass player George and guitarist Alex take to the stage, along with session/touring drummer Adam Breeze, to huge cheers from the crowd. They start playing “Problems” from their latest album. Singer Theresa makes her grand entrance and belts out Yonaka anthem after anthem.
The crowd is singing, jumping and taking in everything Yonaka is throwing at them. A real treat was stripped back acoustic versions of “Lose Our Heads” and “Don't Wait 'til Tomorrow”, both from the debut album of the latter's namesake.
There was no messing about with a silly encore (peekaboo for adults!) and Yonaka finished off with crowd favourites “Clique” and “Seize the Power." This was a setlist for all Yonaka fans, old and new. Be sure to check them out as they continue on tour across the UK in October:
Oct 2 - Manchester
Oct 3 - London
Oct 5 - Cardiff
Oct 6 - Brighton
Oct 8 - Nottingham
Oct 9 - Leeds
Oct 10 - Glasgow
They then jump on tour support The Pretty Reckless across Europe and back to the UK.
YONAKA | INSTAGRAM
SNAYX | INSTAGRAM
KNIFE BRIDE | INSTAGRAM
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BEN MANTON | INSTAGRAM