Yard Act are an English post-punk band from Leeds, West Yorkshire, formed in 2019. The band consists of James Smith (vocals, lyrics), Ryan Needham (bass), Sam Shipstone (guitar) and Jay Russell (drums).
The band's debut album, The Overload (2022), was released to widespread critical acclaim and debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize later that year. The band's second studio album, Where's My Utopia? (2024), expanded upon the band's musical palette and was produced by Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr.. The band's third album, You're Gonna Need a Little Music (2026), was written, recorded, and performed as a live band.
History Prior to forming the band, vocalist James Smith and bassist Ryan Needham had both been members of other Leeds-based bands. Smith was a member of Post War Glamour Girls, and Needham played in Menace Beach, two bands that released a split EP together in 2016. After the release of the EP, the pair began discussing forming a band together, a plan that eventually came to fruition in September 2019, when the pair moved into a house together in Meanwood. They soon recruited guitarist Sammy Robinson and drummer George Townend who played together in Treeboy & Arc. Robinson later departed from the group, leading to the recruitment of Sam Shipstone. Prior to the announcement of their debut album, the band had only released a total of four singles independently. These singles were then compiled onto an EP, titled Dark Days (2021).
Their debut album, The Overload, was released on 21 January 2022. The group was "one to watch" in the BBC's Sound of 2022 shortlist. The group was also named one of Paste's "Best New Artists of 2021". On 1 July 2022, a re-recorded version of "100% Endurance" was released featuring a collaboration with Elton John.
Their second album, Where's My Utopia?, was released on 1 March 2024. The group released the single "Redeemer" in May 2026 as a single for their third album, You're Gonna Need A Little Music, which was released on 17 July 2026.
The band's song "Cherophobe Rock" was featured on the soundtrack of the football video game EA Sports FC 27.
Musical style Critics have categorised the band's music as post-punk and indie rock, often making use of elements of 1970s Italo disco, '90s hip-hop and early 2000s indie rock.
Their lyrics are ranted not sung, and often political, discussing opposition to topics including capitalism, gentrification and social class, told using "dark humour and cynical storytelling". Their lyrics also take a surrealist style, such as on the song "Payday" from their first album.
Members
Current members James Smith – lead vocals (2019–present) Ryan Needham – bass, backing vocals (2019–present) Sam Shipstone – guitar, backing vocals (2020–present) Jay Russell – drums, percussion (2020–present)
Current touring musicians Christopher Duffin – keyboards, percussion, saxophone, sampler (2022–present) Daisy Smith – backing vocals, percussion, dancing (2024–present) Lauren Fitzpatrick – backing vocals, percussion, dancing (2024–present)
Former members Sammy Robinson – guitar (2019–2020) George Townend – drums (2019–2020)
Discography
Studio albums + List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions Title Details Peak chart positions UK AUS BEL(FL) SCO The Overload Released: 21 January 2022 Label: Island, Zen F.C. Formats: LP, CD, cassette, digital download, streaming 2 89 148 1 Where's My Utopia? Released: 1 March 2024 Label: Island, Zen F.C. Formats: LP, CD, cassette, digital download, streaming 4 — 156 5 You're Gonna Need a Little Music Released: 17 July 2026 Label: Island Formats: LP, CD, digital download, streaming 15 — — 3
Extended plays Title Details Dark Days Released: 19 January 2021 Label: Zen F.C. Formats: 12-inch vinyl, CD, cassette, digital download, streaming 100% Endurance (Elton John Version) Released: 1 July 2022 Label: Universal Music Operations Limited Formats: 7-inch vinyl, digital download, streaming
Singles Title Year Album"The Trapper's Pelts"2020 Dark Days EP"Fixer Upper""Peanuts""Dark Days"2021 "The Overload" The Overload "Land of the Blind" "Payday" "Rich" 2022 "Pour Another" "100% Endurance" "The Trench Coat Museum" 2023 "Dream Job" Where's My Utopia? "Petroleum" "We Make Hits" 2024"When the Laughter Stops"(featuring Katy J Pearson)"Redeemer" 2026 You're Gonna Need a Little Music "New Beginnings"
Accolades Year Association Category Nominated work Result 2021 Anchor Reeperbahn Festival International Music Award rowspan="4" 2022 NME Awards Best New Act in the World rowspan="2" Best New Act from the UK 2022 SXSW Grulke Prize 'Developing Non-U.S. Act' 2022Mercury PrizeAlbum of the YearThe Overload
References