Missing Yoasobi’s first-ever London show? Unthinkable for me. With undeniable hits, brutal pop, and hypnotic ballads, the dazzling Japanese band truly delivered on their promises at Wembley Arena.
As time passes, I want concerts to be free of distraction, to be as immersive as possible. So it was with that in mind, and without my camera, that I showed up to Wembley Arena on Sunday, 8 June, and made my way through an already packed standing area. VIP entries and long-time fans had turned up in force, and the show is sold out!
On stage, the setup is simple and carries the band’s almost indescribable aesthetic. It’s a visual mix that mirrors their sound: vibrant, chaotic, fresh, and playful. The duo, Ikura and Ayase, are front and centre. Backed by their band, the band sounds organic, fresh, and a lot heavier than what one could believe at first, with clear metal influences.
A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF MIXTURE ROCK
Their setlist, packed with major hits all sung in Japanese, thrills fans who’ve been waiting years for them. Yoasobi is seen as one of the leading lights of contemporary Japanese music, having been the most-streamed Japanese act overseas for the past four years. And that’s because, clearly, their sound resonates far and wide.
Bathed in splashes of colour, under the watchful gaze of a 90s-style monster that could have been a PlayStation mascot, and dressed in streetwear with a modern military twist, the duo put on a dazzling show. Everything was fun, vibrant, and even a bit emotional when the entire arena lit up with phones’ flashes. A classic move, and in my humble opinion, always effective.
With a show of this scale, you expect lasers and confetti. And that’s what we get! Just the right amount, at just the right time. The set flowed seamlessly from pop-electro tracks to soft ballads to heavy, punk-infused rock numbers. Bangers! The visuals on the massive screens were particularly polished, especially for Watch Me!, performed live for the first time. And when the cameras are turned to the band, the direction is superb. Lyrics are occasionally displayed, all integrated smoothly without feeling overly sterile.
YOUR STORIES’ SOUNDTRACKS
From the opening track Seventeen to the closer Yoru ni Kakeru, the crowd is completely in sync with Yoasobi. PLAYERS unleashes everyone’s inner gamer and has us jumping with glowsticks in hand. Monotone is mesmerising, as is the gentler Ano Yume wo Nazotte, nestled between the much-anticipated Yuusha and Idol. These two are absolutely explosive moments, far more intense and rock-driven than their studio versions. An absolute joy, of course! The notable Shukufuku, UNDEAD, New me, Halcyon, Tabun, Yasashii Suisei, Kaibutsu, HEART BEAT and Gunjou beautifully complete the main set.
For the encore, two final songs and a lot of generosity close this first night in London. Butai ni Tatte and the iconic Yoru ni Kakeru. Beaming with smiles, the band takes their time to thank the audience, while the credits of this beautifully produced show roll behind them. A second date awaits them the next day, but it’s clear that in just one night, Yoasobi secured a firm place on the live music scene in the British capital.
