It’s an odd evening where the sun is already hiding behind the horizon but it’s unseasonably warm for a mid October night. Heading to The Junction to see a band, far from unusual, however I’m mainly heading to see the support band, Yee Loi hailing from Liverpool who have been popping up on my social feeds as I’ve seen other photographers shoot them recently.
The three siblings Matilda on vocals and drums, Rose on guitar and occasional vocals along with the silent bassist Don Don. All take to the J1 stage in Cambridge ahead of the reformed 80s pop punk band Transvision Vamp, and within seconds are powering through their own frantic pop punk songs, with energy that the headliner will struggle to follow.
Don Don whilst not picking up any vocals is far from silent, driving strummed baselines through every song whilst head banging with his Ramones t-shirt on. The band gained popularity via performing Ramones covers on social media, before playing the 50th celebration for the band.
Their opener Dad’s Money with it’s “Rich girls don’t understand, too privileged they ain’t no punk band” is a well timed kick towards many upper middle class and nepo baby bands out there, since numerous austerity cuts have made music a harder nut to crack without parental support.
A mid set cover of Junior Parker’s song Mystery Train made famous by Elvis helped anchor their influences in the past, looking to revive days of fast punk versions of old standards.
Recent single Social Suicide, which sets out the stall for their debut album due in the new year, has a great shared vocal between the sisters on the choruses, played with the same frantic energy as their other songs.
I really hope to see the band coming back through Cambridge either headlining or paired with a band that pulls a younger crowd who can match the band’s energy, as they deserve a response that bounces and dances with the same verve as the three siblings on stage.