Yard Act lit up Northumbria University on Sunday night (17/03/2024) with a performance that showcased why they are one of the UK’s hottest bands.

Across a 16 track set, the group showed just why they are building a reputation as one of the UK’s best live bands.

But first was support from New York’s Gustaf, who delivered a riveting set infused with post punk energy whipping up the crowd perfectly.

The group brought the crowd with them across their excellent set at one point, allowing a lucky audience member to surf across the first few rows of the crowd, demonstrating the amazing reception they got from the room. Their driving bass riffs brought the energy warming the crowd up nicely for Yard Act.

After that it was time for Yard Act. The Leeds based group have built up an impressive catalogue across their two albums with 2022’s post-punk leaning debut “The Overload” and their recently released new album “Where’s My Utopia” bringing them much acclaim.

The group opened their set with “An Illusion” which also opens their sophomore album. The song illustrates the band’s development over the years showing a different side to their debut.

This was followed by “Dead Horse” from their debut album with its pulsating baselines and riffs which powered the crowd all evening.

“When The Laughter Stops” and “We Make Hits” followed, which saw the band embrace a theatrical element to their show with dance routines from the amazing Lauren Fitzpatrick and Daisy Smith adding an excellent element to the rest of the evening.

Many bands are happy to just turn up and play the hits (no pun intended) and whilst there is nothing wrong with this, it’s nice to see a band embrace something which is not the norm especially in the post punk/indie scene, making a welcome change.

Adding to the fun was EP roulette, which mixed in some variety show fun to the mix with a huge spinning wheel arriving on stage to pick the next track.

It also introduced the world to Huey, who unfortunately missed out on his chosen track, “Dark Days”. Instead, we got a rip-roaring rendition of “Fixer Upper”, a personal favourite (sorry Huey).

This sort of thing is what makes Yard Act’s shows so special bringing the audience along for the ride and building a connection with them whilst putting on an exciting and unpredictable live show.

“Fixer Upper” was followed by the fast-paced “Witness (Can I Get A?)” and new track “Down By The Stream” which showcases Smith’s impressive lyricism and eye for storytelling.

This is something which shines through throughout the live show, with his highly impressive delivery which could almost certainly give some rappers a run for their money with his impressive flow and adaptability to the ebbs and flows of the live show, which was a joy to behold.

I also wanted to give a shout-out to the impressive guitar work of Sam Shipstone who once again illustrated what a fantastic player he is throughout the show.

As the show reached its crescendo, it became evidently clear that Yard Act truly do “make hits” (sorry). The band ripped through “Dream Job”, “Payday” and “The Overload” showing just how their catalogue is only strengthening with each release.

The band then finished with the closer from their sophomore “A Vineyard for the North” to much applause and love from the crowd, which was recuperated by the group.

The magnificent “100% Endurance” opened the encore before Gustaf joined the band for a dance to “The Trench Coat Museum” which ended the evening on a high.

Overall, this was an excellent show by one of the UK’s finest bands with an excellent support slot from Gustaf. I eagerly await both band’s return to the North East.