LISTED
YOKE LORE
In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.
This time we speak to Adrian Galvin, the New York musician behind indie-pop project Yoke Lore.
Those in the know will recall that Yoke Lore made his ear-grabbing debut back in 2016 with ‘Heavy Lore’, followed by three more tracks showcasing his penchant for pop hooks, creative production, central use of digital percussion and smattering of folky strings. Since then, Galvin has released three EPs over three years of non-stop touring supporting acts like Bastille, LP, Frenship, Overcoats, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Aquilo and playing many, many festivals. Now the multi-talented artist is preparing for the release of his fourth EP, titled Meditations, featuring stand-out track ‘Safe And Sound’. What’s more, Yoke Lore is spending the month over here in the UK, taking to the stage for headline performances in London, Manchester and Leeds.
Now you’re also in the know, why not take a deeper dive with Yoke Lore by checking out his top ten tracks right now?
- Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer
I remember listening to Simon and Garfunkel before I listened to anything else. Like really early, before I could talk, memories of these sounds in my ears. There is something that feels endlessly comforting in their locked voices. They are where I began, I suppose.
- The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
This project was big for me growing up. My dad was a Psychoanalyst, and had a patient who was in a band, and so he would bring me CD's from time to time from his patient who was up on the cool stuff. One day, my dad brought home Give Up. As a kid, it was quite a beautiful rupture to hear electronic music played like that, something I could both move to and think about.
- Led Zeppelin - Black Dog
I think every kid has a classic rock phase? I fell in love with this song. Idk. I was 12, and it was the first song I played with my middle school band called Chicken Fist.
- Primus - Tommy The Cat
I was entranced by this. I still am. It's both insane and impressive. There are beautiful aspects and really disorienting ones. I always have aspired to this music's dynamism, its reckless freedom.
- Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates
Am I going to be the asshole that wants to tell everyone how big of a Radiohead fan he is? YES. Shamelessly. I guess for my generation we can almost all track our lives by their albums. Growing up before the age of the internet and not wanting to listen to what was on the radio was a struggle. CD stores were a bastion, but they were all really weird, and vinyl hadn't made its resurgence yet and Radiohead was one of the bands that was able to reach people. I am grateful. This song blows my mind. Off my favorite album Hail to the Thief (I know, very contentious).
- Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way
Little Adrian couldn't resist the hair gel or the cutoff button downs. Sorry. I wanted to be a Backstreet Boy really badly until I wanted to be member of Rage Against the Machine. For a while, I was ashamed of my younger self, but now I wear my Backstreet Boy love like a badge of honor.
- Animal Collective - Grass
I remember the moment I heard this song, and I was never really the same. It was the most wonderful confluence of beauty and chaos, and it still brings me somewhere every time I listen to it.
- Beatles - A Day In The Life
I have to give credit where it's due. The Beatles are the most influential band that ever existed. My music wouldn't exist without it. Period.
- Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond
I had a lot of nights laying down on the floor in my attic with my friends listening to this album. When I was first finding myself, I also found this music.
- Modest Mouse - The World At Large
This is how I aspire to write. Songs that progress by their natural unfolding. Listening to this is like watching a plant grow and uncoil itself from its concentrated essence. Every time I write a song, I think about this song.
Words by Hannah ThackerListen
