Say Yes, Do Nothing

Imagine a punk fronting a honkytonk with lairy Jimmy Paige in tow. The singer and writer of our latest single, “By the River” is Dan, a music teacher for aspiring urban minds. Dave writes songs between humanitarian aid missions in war zones, and the rhythm section, drummer Matti and bassist Jake, are recording engineers in London. Winners of the UK Future Music Award. Their latest single, “Play For Keeps”, is the story of a Ukrainian musician saying goodnight and goodbye, and leaving his guitar, to his daughter before going to fight the Russian army.
For listeners who like:
Social Distortion, Chuck Berry, The Old 97’s, Liz Phair, Waylon Jennings, The Stooges, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day
Additional reviews:
“They surely blew the roof off” – DJ Indi, O.F.I. Monday Show
“Catchy as f**k! Best band name, ever” - New Music Saturday
“Rocking…a classic…throws you back to the golden 70’s” – Rock Era Magasine
“Say Yes, Do Nothing were a real surprise! We shared a video that suggested they were more country rock but last night they showed they are a very different beast. They are much more rock and roll with a blues rock leaning and odd bit of southern rock twist. Plenty of energy and despite breaking a string just carried on. They are clearly no strangers to the stage.” – Loud Enough! Music Magazine
“Off-road…It is easy to imagine a car load of friends shouting the chorus…with a uniquely straight-up touch of clear, cool sound and lyrics that bite!” – Breacon Indie Reviews
“Say Yes, Do Nothing transcribe a real situation, which people can relate to, and produce something
structurally and musically marvellous. It is a sombre song in many ways, but it has a calm atmosphere
and a powerful message.” – Advosound

“So beautifully written is this song that one cannot help but keep listening, despite the melancholy which could become unbearable in clumsier hands.” - By the Freaks

“Arriving at the Camden Assembly, I was eager and excited to see one of my favourite bands live for the first time, I was psyched!
Dave Eastman of Say Yes, Do Nothing submitted their song “Hit the Top” to my independent music show Unknown Sounds. It’s a poppy country song with insightful lyrics and melody that sticks in your brain. I love the tune and when I looked more into them, I found such an abundance of talent, I became obsessed. Yes, they do play country songs, but much more - their raw energy and punk sentiment mixed with bluesy straight-out rock and roll, country and pop is a mixture I cannot get enough of.
I arrived just in time to meet Dave, frontman for Say Yes, Do Nothing and the bass player/singer, Jake, before their set. They were friendly and excited for the gig - that made three of us! I found a good spot against the wall and settled in with a great view.
To be honest, I was a bit nervous. Say Yes, Do Nothing is performing at the Unknown Sounds First Live Gig in November and having never seen them before, I was praying they would be good or at least watchable. I can honestly say from the first song, they had me captivated! The energy of the band exploded before my eyes and ears. I opened up every sense to get a better fill of the experience! The tunes got under my skin and into my heart.
Loud, raucous and in your face with lyrics that were all at once sarcastic and heartfelt; poetic words in a cacophony of magical notes. I was in heaven; I could not stop smiling and laughing.
Lead singer and guitarist, Dave, is the ultimate showman, not only perfectly singing the lyrics he wrote with feeling and insight, but making sure the audience and the band was having a wonderful time. He moved like Jagger, his energy enveloped and spread to the audience. And after breaking strings on his guitar making him cast it aside, his focus shifted to performing and dancing even more to and with the audience and other band members.
The connection between the band was a joy. You could see they loved each other and loved what they were doing. They played around while playing expertly and those quick-but-knowing looks with sly smiles told you everything.
Dan, playing lead guitar, (and at times, looking fine in his cowboy hat) played with inspiration, his riffs taking us on glorious journeys we wished would never end. Jake’s bass playing was funky, insistent, and interesting without taking over and his joy at playing was well on display. Dan and Jake each took lead vocals on a song and did themselves proud. Matty on drums kept basic and complex beats without breaking a sweat. Some people poke fun at drummers, but they are the heartbeat of the band and Matty defo keeps these guys alive.
The set ended quite quickly as time had run out before we knew it. The audience wanted more and screamed for one another tune. The band clearly wanted to continue, and Dan expertly played the opening riff of Johnny B Goode, but sadly, it was shut down, no more time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the set with a few of my favourites being Wading Through Water, Grace of God, By the River, Falling Up, hell, they were all great. Check them out at www.sayyesdonothing.com
After their set, my urge was to run on stage and hug the whole band! But I restrained myself, waited until they had packed up, found Dave, and told him that I really enjoyed the show (he was too sweaty to hug anyway, lol!). I’ve kept my real feelings to myself until now.
Say Yes, Do Nothing is an exceptional band with excellent musicianship, ear-catching lyrics and melodies and an energy that will make you jealous! Go see them, you’ll love it, trust me!”
– Unknown Sounds