Coming off the release of their second studio album Where’s My Utopia? this spring, Yard Act have more than proven their staying power in the indie/alt scene. The self-proclaimed “post punk poster boys”’ newest LP builds off of the cheeky, spoken-word style of The Overload to create a conceptual and self-reflective musical landscape. Ripe with intricate drum and bass lines, backing vocals, and ample samples, Utopia mirrors the bands’ all-engrossing spiral into the limelight, as well as the good and bad that comes with it. The increase in musical depth brings along changes to their live performance as well - growing their touring party from the core four musicians to seven for their live performances, including two back-up singers to fill the space on some of the records’ ad-libs and choruses.
Everything about their live performance was classic Yard Act, from precise instrumental chaos and impeccable musicianship to the tongue-in-cheek lyricism that brought them to mainstream success. For an album that feels perfectly tailored for listener’s in-ear experience, the group seems to have put in the hard work to have newer tracks like “Fizzy Fish” and “Down By The Stream” successfully transfer to a live stage. While I may still be partial to earlier tracks (looking at you “Dead Horse” and “100% Endurance”), it was a real treat to see each musician build on one another to create the sometimes-harmonious-sometimes-dissonant sounds of Where’s My Utopia?.
If the success of their latest album and the packed crowd gathered at The Sinclair are any indication, Yard Act is still on the up, and I’m excited to see what comes next as the group continues to grow and evolve.
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