Team Yoko’s name says it all. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, and vocalist Ryan Morris, isn’t content to peddle the same ideas of the musical masses. Instead, Team Yoko injects a fresh voice and some storytelling flair into the alt-punk space.

Ryan Morris uprooted from DC and moved to Chicago in 2019, where Team Yoko began to take shape. The current lineup includes Morris, Matt Legrand, Patrick Smith and Jeremiah De La Pena. As a multi-instrumental musician and producer, Morris brings a singular vision to Team Yoko. Smith, Legrand, De La Pena flesh out the sound with tight guitar, bass and drums, respectively. 

Team Yoko’s “30 Days” is a perfect first listen for the uninitiated. Morris’ songwriting chops are on full display.

The song features one instantly iconic line in the chorus: “Do your lungs still work when you hear his name?” Morris’ raspy tenor piningly asks the question while the song is shepherded forward by subtle background vocals. 

“Anything From Me” unravels the typical punk formula and creates a melodic soundscape headlined by the chiming that ushers in the chorus. Another stunning line repeats near the tail-end of the song: “White noise is pumping through all the sludge of your heart.” The heartbeat bass-and-drum combo pulls the song to its fitting end. 

Does every band need an anthem? The question’s moot, because Team Yoko has one anyway. “Drunks And The Scabs” would be right at home in Chicago’s divey venues. It’s easy to imagine a packed house singing their song’s peppy pop-punk refrain in time with the band.

Once again, Morris writes and performs an absolute gem, this time one that’s bound to become a motto for anyone who listens: “Let’s not fuck ourselves more than we already have.” Expect these songs and more when Team Yoko’s debut EP releases in 2024, exclusively from Oakley Avenue Records.

Written by Cole Rush