The Yorke Band LIVE: Indigenous Music With A Roots Flavour ~ Adelaide Fringe 2020 Review

[MUSIC/Rock ~ SA PREMIERE ~ SA] Nexus Arts, Fri 21 Feb. While there are four musicians listed and photographed, the band on the night was a three-piece; drums (Zac Butler), bass (Zakari Raymond) and guitar/vocals (Caleb Raymond). And checking their web presence, a three-piece is what it generally appears to be. It takes a lot of work for a trio to fill the sonic space, to provide variation and light and shade in a set and The Yorke Band did it quite well on the night. The percussion was full of interesting variations, the bass riffed along, but undoubtedly the star and centre of The Yorke Band is Caleb, some solid chops on the guitar (it takes them to pull off a Jimi Hendrix cover in the set) and a voice that could belt it out when required and sing it gently and melodically as well. The gig consisted of perhaps two or three originals – quite good compositions at that; some having been written as part of studies at CASM (Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music), others since graduating, songs written for loved ones, for parents etc. Perhaps an inkling of the styles of music on offer might best be revealed by noting that covers played were by Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Newton Faulkner and Xavier Rudd – so rock, reggae in parts, roots along with pop sensibilities. I hadn’t seen The Yorke Band previously and I enjoyed the set. Though, as it is often with Aboriginal artists, a little more banter and stage presence at the microphone would acknowledge the crowd and this would lead to a better appreciation of the band. As it was there were a few in the audience singing to some chorus lines and clapping along in a couple of the more upbeat numbers. So the audience was on side (some of them were clearly family and friends), but others who weren’t also were able to enjoy the music. 3.5 stars Clayton Werner #ADLfringe #NexusArt This article made available courtesy of Radio Adelaide.