Back in January, the Jacaranda announced it would be opening a record store and live space in Cain’s Brewery in the Baltic Triangle. Since opening, the Jacaranda Baltic, a 400-cap venue, has been host to a series of high profile acts ranging from Dizzee Rascal and Declan McKenna to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and The Libertines. On Thursday 7 March Leeds based four-piece, Yard Act brought their unique sound to the Liverpool venue.
On 1 March, Yard Act released their second album Where’s My Utopia? The album has been well received by critics who note the departure from the post-punk sound of their debut album The Overload, moving closer to 80’s disco-inspired rock. Tonight’s show is in support of the album, giving eager fans the chance to hear new songs live. Whilst this may be an album release show, the band don’t hold back on diving into older songs.
At 8pm the band take to the stage to great applause from the crowd. Singer James Smith announces “We’ve come with no plan. What do you want to hear?” leading to a chorus of screams and shouts requesting various songs. Kicking things off with 2022 album title track The Overload followed by 2021’s Peanuts; the band are off to a great start.
Between songs there is plenty of interaction between Smith and the crowd, followed by plenty of laughter. It’s not until the 4th song, Dream Job, that the crowd are given a taste of songs from the new album. Having had a chance to warm up and get into the swing of things, the audience are more than ready to embrace a selection of new material from the band. Led by a funky disco bass line and bouncing beat, ‘Dream Job’ is well received by the crowd. Next up we have We Make Hits; a song which pokes fun at their rise as a post-punk band. It’s another song layered with disco groove, sending a wave of movement through the crowd.
The interaction between the band and the crowd continues and the requests keep coming, giving the crowd a unique show; something that doesn’t happen often at gigs these days. It makes an already small show feel even more intimate. These are the moments that shine; showing off the level of musical talent the band have, and with a confidence that is endearing to the audience. Vocalist James Smith has a lot of character which radiates throughout the set, not only during songs, but also as he chats with the audience and makes jokes in-between.
As the set draws near its end, a fan requests The Trench Coat Museum. “We’re missing half the computers that make this thing work” replies Smith, “We’re going to need some help at the chorus” he continues before the band break into the song. The chorus is met with the voices of the crowd which help amplify the sound.
Yard Act finish off with Dark Days and Petroleum, bringing things full circle by playing a song from their first EP and finishing off with a song from the new album. There’s a real contrast between the songs. One leans heavily into their post-punk roots, where the other is a funk-led disco tune. It’s a show of how far they’ve come from the early days, and how comfortable they are in their new sound; something some bands struggle to achieve.
As the night draws to a close its easy to see the appeal of the band. Lyrically self-reflective whilst musically it’s something to dance to; an odd pairing, but it works. There’s a lot of fun to be had with their music and the crowd clearly enjoyed every second of it. Tonight has been a truly unique experience, and a good example of how an intimate show should be done. It’s a true showcase of all their work so far. As the final chords are played and the band leave the stage, there is an air of joy and satisfaction.
Yard Act return to Liverpool on the 22 March for a sold out show at the Invisible Wind Factory as part of their Dream Job Tour. If tonight’s show is anything to go by, those lucky enough to have tickets are in for a real treat.
Will Robinson
