"The new record from Phil Yates & the Affiliates, No Need to Beg, will be a sleeper contender as one of the best local albums of the year. ...[F]or my money Yates is one of the finest rock songwriters in Vermont. A sneak-peek single he recently sent my way has a little bit of "angry young man"-era Elvis Costello to it that I really dig." - Dan Bolles, Seven Days, Burlington, VT, January 7-13, 2015 "Hailing From Burlington, Vermont, Phil Yates & The Affiliates have a great power pop sound that's perfect for a summer night. For a point of reference, Elvis Costello perhaps?" - Kingstonist.com, August 15, 2014 "Known for his witty lyrics and post-punk pop sounds, Yates brings carefree fun to serious subjects while bouncing the beat to make it all worthwhile, and altogether a hoot and a half." - Illinois Times, August 8, 2013