The Leeds band Yard Act became famous for their post-punk rhythms, but in recent years, they have been venturing into new territory with hypnotic electronic grooves, disco stompers, and even a collaboration with Napalm Death.
The success that their debut album, The Overload, brought the band is every emerging artist’s dream. The album reached number two on the charts, earned them a Mercury Prize nomination, and eventually saw Elton John join them for a re-arranged version of the closing track, “100% Endurance”.
The band, consisting of James Smith (vocals), Ryan Needham (bass), Sam Shipstone (guitar), and Jay Russell (drums), sold out one tour after another and traveled the world – from Tokyo to Texas.
On their latest album, Where’s My Utopia?, they ponder: what do you do when all your dreams suddenly come true, but the inner restlessness doesn’t disappear? Sonically, it’s a huge leap forward, with songs woven through with strings, layered backing vocals, and pulsating beats. Despite this significant change in genre, Yard Act remains a guarantee of quality and can liven up a crowd in any weather.