Review: Yada Yada Intersects Healing and Activism in Powerhouse Performance
RECLAIMING THE WORD HOT HEAD AND TRANSMUTING IT INTO A CATALYST FOR HEALING – Chicago’s indie-punk band Yada Yada made their headlining debut at the iconic Schubas Tavern venue on Saturday, June 15. This much-anticipated event saw the five-piece band – composed of frontwoman Meagan Hoch, Wesley Kise (guitar), Duncan Kummer (guitar), Ian Williams (bass) and Lorenze Cordova (drums) – take their audience on a healing journey of anger and its many triggers as explored in their recently released Hot Head EP.
Leading the charge, Meagan’s fierce vocals and frenetic stage presence command the stage, immediately drawing the audience into the band's energy. Her ability to convey deep, emotionally-driven experiences through her sharp lyricism is a standout aspect of the night. Her performance seamlessly navigates between heavier ballads like “Sucker Punch” and upbeat punk anthems such as “Nitro” and “Scumbag,” each song delivered with a raw intensity that showcases her true musical prowess.
Songs like “Emoticon” and “Split” crackled with intensity, while newer tracks like “Do You Wanna” and “Bleach,” convey the band’s growth and maturity as songwriters. Each song is delivered with a visceral energy that reverberated throughout the venue, leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated in the mosh pits.
Even though the venue was packed, the energy in the room feels incredibly intimate. It’s no surprise that attendees couldn’t help but dance as the connection between the band and their fans feels undeniable. The audience dances with one another, sings the words back to the band, and the room is immersed with a high energy owed to the love Yada Yada has for their audience.
Photography Credit: Vicki Holda
Diving straight into “Split,” Yada Yada’s performance is nothing short of electrifying as they invite the crowd into their world of emotional growth and healing from destructive cycles. With each chord and lyric, Yada Yada creates an atmosphere that feels both safe and joyous, enveloping the audience in a shared experience of catharsis and liberation. The band has a natural talent for fostering a communal atmosphere where fans could immerse themselves fully in the music. This synergy between Yada Yada and their audience turns the packed venue into a sanctuary of shared emotion and spirited celebration as the crowd eagerly sings, “I still catch you talking in your sleep / Keep running away / Think you can run from me.”
At the heart of Hot Head beats a thematic pulse of freedom. Each track serves as a powerful meditation on breaking free from the shackles of emotional and existential uncertainties. “Scumbag” emerges as a commanding track that balances vulnerability with aggression, embodying Yada Yada's signature sound.
Another crowd favorite is “Nitro” as the crowd sings along to the “I am god” chorus. The song's standout feature is its electrifying guitar work from Wesley and Duncan, which propels the track with relentless energy. The aggressive, commanding screams add to the intensity, creating a visceral listening experience that captivates the audience.
But the intensity doesn’t just stop at Yada Yada’s performances. Every Yada Yada show I have attended has been more than just a musical experience; it has been a powerful convergence of art and the calls for liberation, where passion intersects with activism. The band consistently uses their platform to address the ongoing genocide against Palestinians, making their performances a space not only for music but also for raising awareness about critical humanitarian issues. Yada Yada’s message is clear: the fight for justice extends beyond the stage, and it is imperative to use every available platform to advocate for those who cannot. Cheers for a free Palestine erupt and fill the atmosphere, both from the band and the audience.
Photography Credit: Vicki Holda
To close the night, Yada Yada performed a heartfelt cover of “Dreams” by The Cranberries, with Meagan dedicating the song to her father, who was in the audience. The band's rendition featured glimmering vocals and more stripped-back instrumentals, allowing the poignant lyrics to take center stage. This performance was moving and passionate, resonating deeply with everyone present. As the crowd sang along to the iconic lines, “My dreams / It’s never quite as it seems / Cause you’re a dream to me,” the room filled with a collective sense of emotion and connection.
On a personal note, many attendees I spoke with after the show expressed that experiencing Yada Yada's cover of “Dreams” was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The combination of the intimate dedication, the band's emotive performance, and the crowd's heartfelt participation created a memorable and unique experience that left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.
As the final chords of Yada Yada’s performance fade into the night, there’s a sense of profound catharsis lingering in the air. In a landscape where indie-punk bands often channel political angst, Yada Yada stands out for their fearless integration of activism into their art. Throughout the evening, the band stays true to their core DIY punk roots, delivering a show that was powerful, intense and undeniably healing.
