We welcome the third album from the duo Inanis Yaoke, composed of Simone Skeleton and Risa Hara. For this release, they received notable support from guest vocalists Tony Wakeford (Sol Invictus) and Michael Aliani (Chiron).

The initial intention behind this album appears to have been a move toward a more explicit Post-Punk sound. Yet, what unfolds is a more nuanced and varied work — one that gracefully drifts between Dark-Wave and Goth-Wave. The closing track, in particular, stands out as a sublime and unexpected piece that could easily serve as the Soundtrack to a film noir, thanks in large part to the haunting trumpet that emerges. Throughout the album, a profound melancholy runs deep, evoking at times the emotional and melodic approach of Diary Of Dreams. There’s a fine balance between guitar and synth textures, both contributing to an ever-present darkness that defines the record’s identity. The singers’ deep, expressive vocal timbres further reinforce this atmosphere, giving the music an enveloping and introspective character.

In sum, this is a beautifully dark and cohesive work, marked by several standout moments that linger long after listening. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Down Here”:

About Inanis Yoake

Inanis Yoake is a duo formed in London in 2020 by Simone Skeleton (guitars, vocals, sounds) and Risa Hara (piano, synths). The project mixes Dark-Wave, Goth-Wave, and Post-Punk, and regularly draws on guest musicians.

The debut album “Summer Silence” arrived in 2021, followed by “How Things Seem” in 2023, both on Dark Vinyl Records. “Swallow Mist”, issued in 2025 on the same label, is their third album and the record reviewed here, with Tony Wakeford and Michael Aliani appearing as guest vocalists.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Experimental, Chanson, Dark-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Inanis Yoake was set up in London (UK) in 2020 by Simone Skeleton and Risa Hara. “How Things Seem” was released early 2023 and got the assistance of multiple guests like Matt Howden (Sieben), Tony Wakeford (Sol Invictus) ao.

Content: Eleven songs of melancholic grace featuring different vocalists. It sounds eclectic and yet there’s an explicit connection between all songs. From revery and heavenly vocals to powerful passages featuring guitar and electronic arrangements this work has a lot to offer.

+ + + : I especially like the deep, melancholic, expression running through most of the songs. The different guest artists contributing to this work sound in real symbiosis with the band. I recommend listening to “Nowhere” for the impressive vocals by Roberto Conforti and “Abandonned” for the graceful vocal performance by Vivienne Cure. Another noticeable song is “Left Behind” featuring magic trumpet playing.

– – – : I can’t say there’s really one song emerging from the tracklist; no ‘hit’s here but simply songs to listen and enjoy.

Conclusion: “How Things Seem” is a deeply artistic and achieved piece of music; a sonic caress to embrace winter evenings.

Best songs: “Abandonned”, “Left Behind”, “Nowhere”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/inanisyoake.bandcamp

Label: www.darkvinyl.de / www.facebook.com/darkvinylrecords

Listen to “How Things Seem”:

About Inanis Yoake

Inanis Yoake was formed in London, UK, in 2020 by Simone Skeleton (guitars, vocals) and Risa Hara (piano, synths). “How Things Seem”, released in January 2023 on Dark Vinyl, is the project’s second album and features guest contributions from Matt Howden of Sieben and Tony Wakeford of Sol Invictus, among other guest vocalists and musicians.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com