Review: Yard Act at the 02 Apollo ‘a band evolving into something greater’

Yard Act, known for their unique blend of pub philosophy, character creations and post-punkish poetry, stormed back into Manchester with an electrifying performance at the O2 Apollo on Saturday.

Fresh from the release of their sophomore record, “Where’s My Utopia?” the Leeds quartet showcased their intriguing evolution from post-punk pioneers into their new funkier, disco-inspired grooved sound.

Yard Act at the 02 Apollo

Lead singer James Smith, a charismatic maestro of the unconventional, commanded the stage with an infectious energy that was reciprocated by a boisterous crowd.

From the frantic fervour of “Dead Horse” to the introspective musings of “100% Endurance,” Smith’s presence was a whirlwind of frenetic energy delivering exhausting lines with ease.

Some fabulous dance moves are thrown into the mix, too.

A wheel of fortune

Yard Act introduced a playful twist, unveiling a makeshift wheel of fortune manned by their two backup singers, adding an element of spontaneity to the performance.

The chosen track, “Fixer Upper,” erupted in a fiery rendition that set the venue ablaze with energy and excitement, leaving the crowd clamouring for more.

While their earlier post-punk repertoire was present, the band showcased a shift towards a more electronic rock-leaning sound, with tracks like “When the Laughter Stops” venturing into LCD Soundsystem territory and “Dream Job” nodding to the infectious rhythms of Ian Dury with its pub-rock disco stomp.

However, there seemed to be a reluctance to delve too deeply into their earlier post-rock repertoire, signalling the band’s ongoing exploration of their sonic identity.

A cast of shady characters

Building upon the foundation of their debut work, “The Overload,” Yard Act plunge the audience into a labyrinth of lager-soaked tales and shady characters.

Drawing inspiration from the mundane realities of everyday life in the UK, Yard Act’s songs are populated by a colourful cast of characters, each one brought to life with vivid detail and biting humour.

Their new album, Where’s My Utopia? fizzes with grooves with fresh funky energy, borrowing strokes from hip-hop, Afrobeat, and funk with Smith’s gritty realism in casually evocative storytelling

It marks a significant shift from their Mercury-nominated debut, “The Overload.”

While the first album delved into satirical narratives and adopted characters like a small-time estate agent and a greedy landlord, the new album brings frontman James Smith’s introspective gaze inward.

But it’s no less effective and might be even more danceable if the crowd is anything to go by. They are loving it.

A rare moment of sentiment on the evening came when Smith paused to reflect on the band’s journey, reminiscing about their early days playing small venues and dreaming of bigger stages.

He mentioned that he’d seen hundreds of gigs ‘on this very stage’ –  a moment of humility and gratitude, a reminder of the band’s deep roots in the Northern music scene. And also, of just how far they have come as an act.

Themes of their new album

The album navigates themes of disillusionment, anxiety, and the complexities of identity.

Tracks like “We Make Hits” playfully dissect the band’s rise to fame, while songs like “Down by the Stream” confront darker personal histories, such as Smith’s experience as a childhood bully.

Yet, amidst the newfound seriousness, Yard Act retains its irreverent charm. The newer tracks go down a storm.

From the infectious groove of “Dead Horse” to the haunting melody of “A Vineyard for the North,” Yard Act showcased their versatility and prowess as musicians, seamlessly blending elements of punk, electronica, and indie rock into a sound that was uniquely their own.

Guitarist Sam Shipstone’s razor-sharp riffs cut through the air like a knife, while bassist Ryan Needham’s thunderous grooves provided the backbone of the band’s sound.

Drummer Jay Russell held it all together with his impeccable rhythm and precision, driving the music forward with an undeniable urgency.

Whether grappling with themes of disillusionment, longing, or existential uncertainty, Yard Act bared their souls and uncertainty on the view from the ‘sunlit uplands’ of the band’s success, asking us, where is their utopia?

At present, Yard Act appears to be navigating through a period of introspection, grappling with the essence of their identity.

Thrust into the limelight by an unforeseen wave of popularity, they find themselves pondering the fundamental question: what is it that we truly aspire to become?

While a definitive and steadfast identity may still be in the process of taking shape, there’s an undeniable sense of enjoyment emanating from their music as they journey away from the shadows of their past and towards something completely different. That’s no bad thing.

Setlist

An Illusion

Dead Horse

When the Laughter Stops

We Make Hits

Pour Another

Grifter’s Grief

Fizzy Fish

Fixer Upper

(Randomly selected by Ewan… more )

Witness (Can I Get A?)

Down by the Stream

Dream Job

Payday

The Overload

A Vineyard for the North

Encore:

100% Endurance

The Trench Coat Museum

(Extended outro with Gustaf… more )

You can get tickets to see Yard Act on tour by clicking here