Art by Enne Goldstein, you can find more of their work here
The first time I listened to the latest Yak album, The Pursuit of Momentary Happiness, I felt electrified, reborn, and ready to ruin my life. The album feels as if it’s on the brink of breakdown — like I can see the rope starting to fray and melt and light on fire. Delving into both decadence and despair, we get a first-hand account of the wild time frontman Oli Burslem had between the band’s 2016 release, Alas Salvation, and now. Having spent his album advance partying on the other side of the globe, he found himself broke on the beach in Australia with no album, no home, and no prospects. He was able to make it back to the UK, though, and moved into his van where Pursuit… was born. An exercise in pushing the limits of one’s existence, will, and creative boundaries, Yak has emerged from that darkness with a truly remarkable record that even with it’s garage and glam influences, hits you straight in your gut.
Check out some quotes from our interview with Oli below and read the full feature in Issue 8 — available to order here
It’s always good to figure out where the parameters lie so you don’t overstep them. I believe I have dipped my foot in the red a couple of times, but retreated before I toppled in completely. I always think it’s such a privilege to be able to express yourself so to not go the full five yards wouldn’t sit comfortably with me. I know I can look back at everything I have done within music and say that I did everything within my capabilities to give it everything I had
There is also a misconception to be open and honest is a weakness but it makes me feel like a resilient motherfucker.
I am who I am and I want to do what I want to do and write what’s on my mind. There is so much compromise in all aspects of everyday life, so when it comes to music I don’t want to make any.
