Continuing this special run of ‘Listed’ features, in which we get to know the incredible artists playing our upcoming Alt. Escape showcase through a themed list of their top musical picks, we chat with Glaswegian four-piece Yakima.

Initially conceived in 2013 by Neil McArthur (bass, vocals) and John Houston (guitar, vocals), the (then) duo bonded over a wide range of influences including Pavement and Parquet Courts, but it was only when Kay McLaren (drums, percussion) and Paul Bradley (guitar) arrived a year later that Yakima was truly born.

Since then the indie-rock foursome have gone on to release a drowsy debut single in ‘Judy’s Lament’ and a more upbeat counterpart in ‘Point Of This’, both of which artfully combine the jagged edges of grunge with swooning dream-pop melodies, flourishing in that strange, bittersweet spot somewhere between bliss and melancholy. The lo-fi production too suits Yakima’s hazy aesthetic and as it happens, both singles were in very capable hands, produced as they were by Benji Compston and Jon EE Allan of TMR veterans Happyness. It’s exciting to hear this Scottish outfit are hard at work on their debut album but until its release, come on down to The Mucky Duck in Brighton on Friday 10^th May and catch their, no doubt, enthralling set at the stage we’re presenting with our buddies Hand In Hive and CALM.

Now, we’ve had a lot of unusual ‘Listed’ themes over the years but we can honestly say nothing prepared us for Yakima’s utterly outrageous theme… the ‘10 Best Songs to Wrestle Noel Edmonds’. Limber up for the wild ride…

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1. The Folk Implosion – ‘Wide Web’

Paul: I use this song to get in my head before a bout with Noel. The propelling instrumentation is ideal for gently psyching myself up for the impending grudge match.



2. Ovlov – ‘Milk’

Paul: This song reminds me of that stage in an encounter where you find yourself having absorbed numerous elbow drops and your ears are ringing from the last DDT that was landed upon you. I feel like this experience is something the rest of the band can attest to and, as such; felt it was likely relatable to people outside the group.



3. Yo La Tengo – ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ 

John: Noel can be a sassy wee bitch when it comes to the conference before the match - I need this song to get me focused, it helps with my trash talkin’. If I think he’s been training hard, I’ll blast this tune through my headphones and turn it to at least 6 (no joke).



4. Buena Vista Social Club – ‘Candela’

John: I’ve got a mean elbow, especially when it’s flying through the air, quickly arriving at Noel’s beautifully primed chin hair - this song gears me up for countering his special move ‘The House Party’. It’s a tough one to anticipate but the good people over at the social club prepare me for what’s to come.



5. The Flaming Lips – ‘Hot Day’

Neil: This is definitely my favourite song by The Flaming Lips. I've chosen it because it's making me laugh when I imagine grappling to it. If I was going to have to wrestle Noel Edmonds then I would prefer it was a happy and melodic song to accompany the situation. I just feel like this song would set a better mood with him. I don't think it's any secret that he can be quite ruthless. The last thing I would want is any bad blood between Noel and I. We have similar first names and I think it would be a shame to waste that. We could be Nene and Nono.



6. Chelsea Light Moving – ‘Burroughs’

Neil: Every time I hear this song it takes me back to the very first time I heard it. It's got the perfect amount of aggression. I envision this as my theme song as a contestant on Deal or No Deal rather than in the ring. More of a wrestle of the minds.



7. Jungle – ‘Busy Earnin’’ 

Kay: Drills are important to any aspiring musician fighter. This song really helps me get in the zone for those big matches with Noel.



8. Kamasi Washington – ‘Desire’ 

Kay: My favourite kind of match is Hell in a Cell. Reason being, I love to create Hell. Hell in that cell with Noel.



9. The Bellybuttons – ‘Nostalgia Factory’

Yakima: This an awesome tune from another Glasgow band. We highly recommend you check them out!



10. Jelly Boy – ‘Give Up and Gamble’

Yakima: This is the new single from our good friend Benji. It's such an amazing song and we recommend you check out the rest of his new EP!



Watch out for Yakima’s debut album in the future, but in the meantime be sure to catch their set at the free Hand In Hive x TMR x CALM Showcase on Friday 10th May at The Mucky Duck in Brighton.

-Karl Jawara