London-based trio Yak are back after a debut that was a highlight of 2016. Currently hard at work on album number two, Oli Burslem and co. are getting up to mischief in the studio ahead of a headline tour later this year.
You guys have just announced a bunch of tour dates for later this year – does this mean the end of recording your second album is in sight?
We will be releasing something in October time to coincide with the tour, but recording for the album is still ongoing. We have very high expectations and want to make sure that we are happy before releasing anything.
Where have you been writing and recording?
We have been writing it all over the place… UK, Europe, Japan, Australian, New Zealand. We even managed to pop to Kevin Parker’s studio with Jay Gum Watson in Perth, which was fun.
Can you let us in on any in-the-studio gossip? Have you been having fun?
Yeah, it’s always a laugh hanging out. In Perth, we managed to grab a swim most mornings before getting down to it. On one occasion I swam out to a pontoon when I saw a fin coming towards me… I freaked thinking it was a shark but turned out to be a dolphin. Classic Brit abroad. Never swam so quick in my life…
Has the album shaped up to be everything you thought it would be when you started?
Still, bang in the middle of it so all I can say is that it won’t be a disappointment. We are so proud of our debut it was always going be hard to top it, but I’m confident it’s the best stuff we have ever done.
How many 10/10 bangers are on this one?
14!!!
Was there anything you learnt when recording your debut that was especially handy when approaching your next one?
Turn it up and give it leather!
How do you view your debut now you’ve a bit of distance from it? Have your feelings towards it changed over time?
We love it. We set out to make the best guitar-based record for years, and I believe we did it.
Album and touring aside, what else have you got planned for over the summer?
Making the record.
Finally – recommend us some new bands?
Not a new band, but the new Gnod record is killer.
Yak tour the UK from 4th October.