Yard Act - ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ review
Yard Act
Yard Act come out all guns a blazing with second album Where’s My Utopia? The follow up to their critically- acclaimed debut The Overload. The Leeds natives wade through new waters in an eclectic collection of varied tracks that reach beyond the previous offerings from the self-described group of “post punks’ latest poster boys”.
The new album is a co-production between Yard Act and Gorillaz producer Remi Kabaka and the familiar echoes of the Gorillaz style is present throughout tracks such as ‘The Undertow’ and ‘An Illusion’. This is not to say that Where’s My Utopia? is in any way a Gorillaz reproduction. The LP is expansive and experimental without completely overhauling Yard Act’s established sound. Altogether Where’s My Utopia? is an introspective and stylish record that refuses to conform.
Lead single ‘Dream Job’ is a catchy rumination on the band’s own success. Speaking on the track, the band’s James Smith said:
“‘Dream Job’ feels like an apt introduction to the themes explored on Where’s My Utopia? - though not all encompassing. In part I was scrutinising and mocking myself for being a moaning ungrateful little brat, whilst also trying to address how the music industry is this rather uncontrollable beast that hurtles forward unthinkingly, and every single person involved in it plays their part”.
Smith’s self-aware lyrics may at times feel a little smug and indulgent however this is often balanced with a general playfulness that proves the band will never take itself too seriously. The album is littered with a myriad of samples including stand-up comedy clips from Nish Kumar and Rose Matafeo. Yard Act possess a distinctly British sensibility within their easy-going attitude and culturally specific references.
‘We Make Hits’ is a relentlessly catchy but cynical examination of Yard Act’s own music style. After thumbing through three minutes of funky freewheeling, Smith proclaims in an ending footnote, “If it’s not a hit, we were being ironic”.
In contrast, ‘Blackpool Illuminations’, is a more earnest track. In this seven-minute spoken-word tale, Smith vividly recounts trips to the seaside town with his parents, juxtaposing them against those with his own child. The more low-key ‘Petroleum’ is brooding and honest.
Featured artist Katy J Pearson blends in well amongst the classic Yard Act thundering bass and sonic chaos. In the outset, actor David Thewlis recites an excerpt from Macbeth’s famous ‘tomorrow, and tomorrow’ speech, doubling down on the allusions to Yard Act’s eventual ending, and providing wider commentary on the nature of the music industry.
Where’s My Utopia? is an explosive follow on to The Overload. Packed full of thoughtful commentary and tied together with relatable sardonic humour. Yard Act’s second album stretches beyond post-punk into diverse dancefloor fillers that bound towards a kind of euphoric escapism that refuses to let up.
Where’s My Utopia? from Yard Act is out now via Island Records and available on all good streaming platforms. Yard Act are departing on a headline tour of the UK later this month.
