Leeds post-punkers Yard Act have finally released their debut EP, ‘Dark Days’. Today marks the physical release, as vinyl is landing on fan’s doorsteps up and down the country.
Comprised of their entire released output (so far), Dark Days is an absolutely superb introduction to one of the best bands around right now. Yard Act’s quartet of stellar singles come together here- each of these tracks are multifaceted, the quick wit and sharp barbs of Mark E Smith plus Jarvis Cocker’s angular and awkward charm meet over hip-shaking riffs, driving drums and fat basslines.
James Smith’s vocals chronicle the bizarre escapades of an eclectic bunch: ‘Trappers Pelts’ discusses a hunter-gatherer who sells his wares on street corners, ‘Peanuts’ deals with the murder of a husband via nut-allergy, ‘Fixer-Upper’ is the story of Graeme – a ‘get Brexit done’ type and ‘Dark Days’ tells the tale of an apocalyptic, wasteland where morals and normal life are down the drain. Quite a smorgasbord of characters and tales, but Smith does it incredibly well. He draws you into the worlds he creates with a nudge and a wink, each track is dripping in charm.
The EP has been pressed on beautiful marbled red vinyl, in a very limited quantity. Yard Act have a knack for producing fantastic looking vinyl and selling it out in a matter of minutes. They’ve hinted at a re-press, so keep your eyes peeled. Along with the EP drop today, YA have gifted us a superb cover of The Specials ‘Ghost Town’. Recorded over the internet for a live radio show, Smith & co. absolutely nail this. a minimalist drum-machine loop is layered with sludgy guitar and Smith totally nails Terry Halls vocal.
Yard Act have a tour on this year too, socially distanced shows are followed up with a lengthy UK tour.
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