The Yokos were formed in Sydney, Australia in about 1993. The original line… Read Full Bio ↴The Yokos were formed in Sydney, Australia in about 1993. The original lineup consisted of Astrid Spielman (formerly of The Particles) on vocals and guitar, Ingrid Spielman (formerly of Tactics) on guitar and Antonella Franchini on bass and vocals. Originally conceived to provide a live soundtrack for one of Astrid's art installations, The Yokos deliberately chose unfamiliar instruments for themselves as a way of avoid musical clichés. This approach continued when they invited Thomas Ashelford (aka Thomas Tallis, bass player from Ashtray Boy) to play drums the following year.

The result is a European cabaret-tinged blend of punk and lo-fi with strong melodies and an almost melodramatic approach to song arrangement. All four members contribute to the songwriting process to some degree.

In the late 1990s Astrid took a sabbatical due to mental illness, and Thomas temporarily moved to guitar, while Neil Johnson (also ex-Ashtray Boy) took the drum stool until Astrid's return.

The band have distinguished themselves over the intervening years by exhibiting extraordinary laziness and lack of conventional musical ambition. In total they have performed less than 10 gigs in Sydney and nearby towns, and are still to complete their first album 'Shiny'.

In 2005, several Yokos songs were used in the soundtrack to the indie short film Upskirt.

Despite the fact that the band has not played together for several years, they have not split up, and future gigs and more recordings are a possibility. For now The Yokos are content to keep their musical career in this state of suspension. They'll make their music when they're good and ready!

In 2011, Thomas Ashelford formed Theories of Everything with Meera Atkinson, and Greg Atkinson of Big Heavy Stuff.