BRIGHTON'S bright new rising stars Yonaka look set to raise the roof at Southampton's Joiners on Wednesday December 20 as they come armed with their debut, five-track EP “Heavy”.

Yonaka are considered one of the UK's most unique bands who during ferocious, high energy live shows blend fiery elements of 'metal and head-banging rock' with slick hip-hop beats and grime.

“Heavy” is yet another sterling effort from one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic up-and-coming guitar acts. Having worked closely with Rodaidh Mcdonald (The xx, Sampha) on production, sonically, the new EP brims with life and chaos, showcasing the four-piece band's limitless musical vocabulary, something for which they have already received acclaim for after being hailed as ‘Ones to Watch’ by the likes of Clash, NME, Kerrang!, DIY and many more over recent months. Lead EP track ‘Bubblegum’ – a riff-led juggernaut about desire and determination - was showcased for the first time on Huw Stephens’ Radio 1 show with a pristine live session from Maida Vale’s Abbey Road Studios and has already become a firm favourite amongst fans.

Quickly making a name for themselves on the live scene with their frenzied, adrenaline-charged performances and having been shortlisted for ‘Live Act of the Year’ at the Independent Festival Awards, Yonaka became a staple billing on this summer’s UK festival circuit with appearances at Reading & Leeds, Download, Bestival, Dot to Dot, The Great Escape and many more.

Selling-out London’s Borderline and having played their biggest home show to date supporting The Libertines at the 4,000 capacity Brighton Centre, Yonaka have tripled their live capacity since March.

Formed after meeting at university, they are now on a nationwide UK tour and working towards releasing their debut album.

They have released just a handful of tracks thus far - most recently “Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya”. Produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys) and their first output since signing with Asylum/Atlantic [the band released a couple of tracks prior on Phil Taggart’s label, Hometown Records], the track was unveiled in May and received specialist support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Daniel P Carter, Annie Mac and MistaJam, in turn, accumulating over 60 plays on Radio 1 alongside a plethora of editorial support.