Yard Act / Rough Trade / Nottingham

Formed in Leeds, Yard Act were only formed in 2019, and quickly rose to become one of the shining lights on the UK alt / Indie scene. Their debut album “The Overload” was released in January 2022 to widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize later that same year. Thy followed this up with 2024’s “Where's My Utopia?” which was produced by Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr. Yard Act are known for their often political lyrics, discussing topics including capitalism, gentrification and social class, all told in their unique, almost surrealist dark humour and cynical storytelling style. Different in style, but as iconic as that of Nottingham’s own Sleaford Mods.

Now, they’ve just released their third studio album “You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” and ahead of their full UK tour in the autumn, they have embarked on a short run of instore performances. In fact, due to demand for tickets, they have added a matinee show today as well as Rough Trade in Nottingham to cope with demand. The tiny venue is packed to the gills to catch a first glimpse of the new material live. Out step James Smith (vocals, lyrics), Ryan Needham (bass), Sam Shipstone (guitar) and Jay Russell (drums), joined by Christopher Duffin on saxophone and keyboards to huge applause. James’ iconic brown mac is gone, and the whole thing has an air of informality to it right from the off.

James takes to the mic to welcome everyone, and to tell us that tonight they’re going to perform a few songs for us, and have a chat. That’s wat I love about InStore performances. Gone are the trappings of a full show, here the bands are stripped bare, and the intimate surroundings create a unique experience. Indeed tonight, there is no set list as such, James simply turning to drummer Jay to ask, ‘whats next’. It adds an element of fun as he replies ‘really? That one? Ok I guess we can do that one’ or Ryan questioning the choice, for James to ask him ‘have you forgotten that one’ to which Ryan replies, ‘no, its all stored in here’ as he taps his head.

Tonight a big part of the set is handed over to songs from the new album, and they open with New Beginnings followed by Tall Tales. For me, New Beginnings is an absolute banger, a real indie arena hit of a track. James’ iconic spoken word deliver is less dominant, the vocals flow more and the change works so well, but particularly in Tall Tales, that iconic style surfaces from time to time.

And then we take the first of two breaks from the music stuff, and James opens up the room for questions. Initially there is silence, as the gathered crowd pluck up the courage to shout something out, before we get ‘Andy Burnham’. James notes it more of a statement than a question but goes on to deliver his thoughts on the new PM. The room relaxes and the question start to flow. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and there is no airs and graces, good old back and forth with the crowd.

We dip into the archive for Dream Job from 2024’s “Where’s My Utopia?” which goes down a treat with the fans. The title track from the new album You’re Gonna Need a Little Music lands next, and it has a different feel again, with a slowed down beat, over which James delivers the vocals in a laid back and relaxed style, a little like Matt Johnson (The The).

Yard Act are in top form, and the chemistry and friendship between them shines through as they perform, smiling and laughing as they go. As James consults with Jay on what to play next someone shouts out ‘Dead Horse’ (from 2022’s “Overlord”) and so he says, ‘what the hell, lets do that one’. The crowd love it, and are joining in, singing along as they dance to one of their fave tracks.

Another break for some chit chat, and the questions are flowing now, suc as who is the best band you’ve supported (The Hives), whats the worst show / performance you’ve done. James tells us theres time for one more and a guy shouts out ‘who would you love to suppot’ and then a women shouts no ! James giggles, thinking he’s cased a domestic. The lady goes on to ask what was the inspiration for the new album (not lager apparently according to Ryan). James relents and asks the guy for his question again, who would you love to support ? They all agree it would be the Cure.

There’s time for one more song, and we go back to their “Dark Days” EP for the classic Fixer Upper. Its going great, the fans are digging it, and then chaos…. Someone loses their position and the song abruptly ends in howling laughter and giggles. And that’s whats so great about this kind of show, its fun, its up close and personal, and everyone is here for a laugh and a good time. Ryan lost it, but instead of starting again, they tell us we can have one extra one and they dive into Over the Barrel the closing track from the new album, with its catchy refrains and chorus everyone is singing along.

And before you now it, its over. Yard Act are a class act that’s for sure. A fun, intimate and relaxed show, it reminds you whats this is all about really….. connection.

You can catch Yard Act on their “You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” tour on the 17th November at Rock City – One not to miss !

Setlist

New Beginnings (“You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” 2026)

Tall Tales (“You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” 2026)

Dream Job (“Where’s My Utopia” 2024)

You're Gonna Need a Little Music (“You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” 2026)

Dead Horse (“The Overload” 2022)

A Vineyard for the North (“Where’s My Utopia” 2024)

Redeemer (“You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” 2026)

Fixer Upper (Played half then abandoned) (“Dark Days” EP 2021)

Over the Barrel (“You’re Gonna Need a Little Music” 2026)