Yard Act Writes Awesome Punk Songs.

🎫 Tickets for Justin Hawkins Rides Again tour in London & Liverpool: tinyurl.com/kneukve2
Today I'm listening to Yard Act, a post-punk band from Leeds, UK. They've released a new song called "We Make Hits". Let's see how much of a hit it really is.
You can watch Yard Act's music video for "We Make Hits" here: • Yard Act - We Make Hits
My JHRA Tour Dates:
18th March - Norwich LCR UEA [SOLD OUT]
19th March - Bristol St George's [SOLD OUT]
20th March - Sheffield Memorial Hall [SOLD OUT]
21st March - Glasgow The Glee Club [SOLD OUT]
22nd March - Gateshead The Glasshouse Sage 2 [SOLD OUT]
24th March - London Bloomsbury Theatre [SOLD OUT]
25th March - London The Beck Theatre
26th March - Cardiff The Glee Club [SOLD OUT]
27th March - Birmingham The Glee Club [SOLD OUT]
29th March - Salford The Lowry [SOLD OUT]
30th March - Liverpool St George's Hall
31st March - Leeds City Varieties Music Hall [SOLD OUT]
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#yardact #postpunk #musicreview

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Come see me do my KZbin show LIVE in person, it's chaotic and a lot of fun. Tickets for my London (Hayes) show are here: tinyurl.com/kneukve2

[@user-wk3pk2sj1w]

Still haven't escaped, I apologize

[@Terr0rByte1]

This is crazy... I was housemates with James (the singer) from Yard Act - we went to university together. It's been a real ride seeing Yard Act rise in popularity and hearing them on the radio, and now to see you do a video on them is wild! Also side note - he's actually from Warrington, so not quite a Yorkshire accent, but there's not much difference between the Yorkshire accent and our Lancashire one anyway 😁

[@japanduran]

Yard Act and The Last Dinner Party have made me so so so excited about British rock music again and the wave of what will come after it.

[@jackknowles5295]

the latest wave of british post punk bands has been going on a while (they're literally taking the mick out of them in this song) that whole group that seems to centre around the windmill and dan carey (black midi, squid, bcnr, etc)

[@yellowbritroad]

@@jackknowles5295 our friend group has a joke about who *hasn't* yet been to Dan Carey's South London studio :P No shade though, he does a great job of it! (Big fan of the Fontaines' albums he's done)

[@JosieConnorFilm]

Thank you for showing the video! 🤟I've been producing YA's videos for the last 6 months or so (With company 'Zomdic Films'), the band are awesome to work with. 'We Make Hits' was one of the hardest but so much fun!!

[@aufwie]

Yard Act is the best thing out there right now.

[@danielgrimes2920]

Seen them 3 times now & they get better everytime, they are a class act live, Hammersmith on Wednesday was a great show ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@GrubStLodger]

The video is part of a set that tells a story from the video of 'The Trench Coat Museum' on. That's a great song also.

[@Carl.mills90]

Enjoyed this. Just dipped into their album. Got some Half Man Half Biscuit vibes which is no bad thing in my humble opinion

[@simbarella15]

It’s cool to get an insight into life on the road, thanks for recording these whilst you’re here in Australia! Hope you & the band have enjoyed your tour here 🥰

[@RosieHarp]

Still in Australia, still working hard touring, still taking time to post great videos. What a trooper 🎈🎉🥳🎈

[@WillSwainUK]

I stumbled across this band at a festival in Malaga a couple of years ago. They provided the perfect antidote to Jamiroquai who were playing on the main stage at the same time. They are an excellent live band. Seeing them in a month or so in Brighton. Can't wait.

[@zimzimma5688]

I can here so many influences in there and they have great taste in influences even if it was that their influences had great taste in influences. Everyone from Alex Turner to Jarvis Cocker to even a bit of John Cooper Clarke in James's delivery and wit in song writing. Then the band itself shows me something new every bloody track. LCD sound system, Chic, Cake, Chromeo, I've even heard a bit of Joy Division in some of the bass lines. Class new band and boy do we need more of them these days.

[@naomiscroggins2379]

Saw them at Hammersmith Apollo last week; they were incredible, amazing energy on stage, fun, loved every minute of it. Love that they were knocking around in different bands for years before forming Yard Act. The new album is awesome. Thanks Justin!

[@carbutty]

I’m so glad to see you covering Yard Act, one of my favourite bands ever with amazing musicianship, an electric live show, lyrics that are as thoughtful as they are witty and genuinely some of the nicest lads I’ve ever met.

[@1Moggi]

Seeing them in Nottingham tomorrow......buzzin'! ☺️

[@TheBadBuffalo]

So excited for their new album

[@mikewood9514]

As a 56 year old I love seeing young bands getting exposure.

[@BrickNewton]

47 year old here, Justin is one of the main ways I find new young bands. I don't always agree with his choices but good to see what's out there.

[@FrostedSeagull]

Same aged 56, and I agree with your Comments

[@kaikaih5771]

I was just listening to barbarian and was blown away by your guitar solo. Love stuff like this from you. Keep it up!

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!! 🎸🎉🎶🎶🎶

[@buzzin-hornet]

If you binge watch a bunch of his vids back to back then I guarantee you wouldn’t be singing the theme tune with that much enthusiasm… trust me! 🎸🙄🙉😂

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

@@buzzin-hornet Oh I will best believe, everytime yes yes 💯

[@dalecrisman5597]

Again

[@drumwitch4585]

Nnnnnnnnna!

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

@@sids61 Gonna have to get used it, afraid so old chap sorry! 😁

[@jackknowles5295]

I think it's very much the latter thing you pose - definitely just them trying to separate themselves from the haughty 'we're artistes it's not about making hits' culture that a lot of british post punk bands are really bringing back Like, at the end of the day, they want people to listen to their music. Very honest, very authentic, and that's been their MO since day one it seems. Brilliant band.

[@jackknowles5295]

Also if you love the earnestness, you'll absolutely adore 100% Endurance off their first album. I know it's not topical anymore so hard to make a video on it but if anyone who reads these does get a chance to show it to Justin, I reckon he'd REALLY love it.

[@anetakibanaki6350]

I like the lyrics, the accent and cool music. Not my usual stuff, but it speaks to me. Thank you bringing that band to my attention.

[@beatchef]

The chord progression is shared with both Acceptable in the 80s by Calvin Harris and You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive

[@AZaprilia]

check out the "Land of the Blind" from yard act, it's the reason I loved them a couple of years ago

[@juliehartley3652]

Yup I like Yard Act so far at least . . . Thank you Justin for another great review. 😍

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Yes! Yard Act ftw! Stoked for their sophomore release.

[@leafbelly]

They remind me of the band Cake. Nice sound.

[@akespt]

Looking sharp there. I don't know what it is about this beachy vibe, but it is working for you!!

[@squiredog]

Had the pleasure of watching these guys live. Fantastic band ❤️

[@sidallen3822]

caught them at reading festival and seeing them again two days after the london JHRA shows - great band, so much fun live

[@samjones3175]

Yes! I was hoping you’d cover Yard Act, probably my favourite new(ish) acts of the last few years. And this is one of their best songs.

[@sidallen3822]

I may have started something of a one man campaign on here and Instagram to get Justin to review Yard Act because I'm seeing their tour and justin's the same week haha

[@samjones3175]

@@sidallen3822Haha that’s awesome. You won’t regret seeing them live, they are so much fun.

[@sidallen3822]

@@samjones3175 I saw them open the mainstage at reading last year and they were great, looking forward to seeing them play a whole set

[@JuiceGuy07]

Most Yard Act lyrics are similar in vibe. Awesome band. Go listen to Fixer Upper for a proper laugh/jam combo.

[@Peacefrogg]

We’re all f*kd. We can be depressed about it or we can try to enjoy the ride. Let’s have a doom party and get f*kd on our own terms…

[@jamesaddy6117]

Just wanted to point out that, despite the band forming in Leeds, the lead singer is from Manchester and so isn't singing with a Yorkshire accent. Can understand it may sound like a subtle difference to most but some people might get more upset about the confusion 😅

[@jamesaddy6117]

Although I strongly agree with the analysis and thoroughly recommend the first album as it's one of the best debuts in recent times!

[@SLW93]

He's from Lymm, near Warrington. But close enough 😅

[@SLW93]

If you want to hear "post-punk" delivered in a more West Yorkshire dialect, I recommend Thank who are also from Leeds! They align more with noise rock though.

[@jamesaddy6117]

@@SLW93 yeah I originally wrote Warrington but Manc is more obviously not Yorkshire haha

[@monkeyspanner1965]

Would love Mr Hawkins' thoughts on Calva Louise, who I just stumbled upon, specifically "Con Corazon" which literally just blew my socks off! : )

[@breenmcgeough806]

Loving this band!!! Every single from the new album is a banger, can't wait to see them in March!!

[@PsyX99]

This second album will be so good. Can't wait for it. And to see them in a couple of month.

[@PicRic]

Are you older too Justin? Seems the originality and very high production values of this ensemble have got us 60-somethings all over excited with the Street Lane sound. We were spoiled in the seventies and it's great to see the creatives crushing the corporates - Universal excepted. Is that a Skyline Pigeon on your chest?

[@sidallen3822]

Thanks so much for reviewing this - proper made my week! Glad i wasn't the only one asking - but i probably asked the most haha so glad you liked them Gonna need a new hobby now that isn't just hassling you to review Yard Act every other day haha

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

This kind of economically funky, poetical stuff reminds me of Ian Dury. I mean, it's not quite on that level, but I still like it.

[@poundshoprambo8543]

Agreed. Ian Dury meets Sleaford Mods.

[@frandem]

It's fun! It's funky! It bears a passing resemblence to Faith No More's 'We Care a Lot' but lacks the melodic hook (akin to the 'it's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it' bit) that could send this one soaring to the top of the pop parade, or whatever passes for it these days.

[@cindyadzukichang]

I had never heard of these guys before. Totally dig it!

[@seanpower1595]

I’m gonna make a suggestion which I know has zero percent chance of happening but would be cool.Once a month do a retro reaction of a great classic rock song and if you like it or not.Cheers👍

[@MariaFrancesca]

I think that's a great idea!

[@ericbutler2078]

Love watching these vids while hanging with my friends after school. Would be totally awsome to have you cover some other chill bands like: Automotion, Black Midi, The Fat White Family, Sport's team, or Jungle 🤟

[@MountainBlade]

Yes, my favourite chill band; Black Midi.

[@paulrichardhammond]

honestly, they are the most exciting British band in the last decade.

[@jackiethetee]

Love Yard Act. I particularly love a song called Peanuts.

[@mountkarate-nunchucka]

It takes real nuts to break fake guts

[@ragman1960]

529,000 🎉🎉🎉…Guitar 🎸

[@peedyboycee5471]

Acceptable in the eighties by Calvin Harris that's what that riff reminded me of.cheers

[@cherryblondescribe8372]

I hope you get to listen to Dead Horse. Yard Act's lyrics are so clever.

[@NickSBailey]

they've changed a lot since the early stuff but I still like where it's going

[@keithcaldwell8536]

Justin, Long time fan! Watching you from Oz. YOU KNOW you can buy a camera or lights there right?

[@user-yx2xm1bg6j]

So there’s The Streets, Gorillaz, Arctic Monkeys and even Faith No More (not sure about that one but they’re one of my all time favourites so I’m going to go with it) happening…all different and authentic. Do that and don’t feel derivative- absolutely fantastic 🙌

[@thaliraQ]

They got style 😎😁

[@charliebluechaos4963]

Show us your hawlk! Sorry cant get over how it seems buttoned up shirts have been somewhat out of the question since the new tattoo. Absolutely love it. So much love to you Mr Hawkins ❤️

[@mountkarate-nunchucka]

Yeah man. Yard act are great. Saw them in Sydney last year. Lyrically reminds me a tiny bit of eminem, the flow at least. Check out all their clips, especially 100% endurance. Brilliant. Fixer upper is the best lyrics.

[@mozer83]

Got to listen to "Dead Horse" from them, You Will love it

[@dave-jk6en]

Yeah, probably my fave of theirs, but love Fixer Upper too, and 100% Endurance....Actually I just love all their stuff : )

[@maty1968]

Yard act are great , go see them live , fixer upper is a great song

[@petedenkaat]

Hey Hawk and fellow Hawk enthusiastic folk.... I'm not sure if you've covered this guy but, he's right up your alleyway... Donny Benét. Check out "multiply or/and American dream and I'm sure you'll be smiling in no time :) he's sooooo smooth! Anyhoo.... cya in the next one xxx

[@naomievans6120]

Check out, "The Treatment", saw them in Manchester for the first time supporting Buckcherry, they are bloody amazing! Thank me later x

[@MariaFrancesca]

Interesting lyrics aside, this just isn't my thing, I guess.

[@HWIKIHWFM]

Fuckin love Yard Act, still waiting for you to check out Everything Everything!

[@shanndogg5371]

The bass line sounds super similar to Acceptable in the 80’s 😎🪩

[@harry5993]

Yeeeeessss do more there music videos are so good

[@andyjohnson3146]

I like Yard act. Think they’re fun

[@Mel-hl1bb]

You need to listen to their first album, its brilliant!

[@bloffs3352]

Blur with a few drops of The Fall maybe?

[@owrilm]

Don't worry, nobody minds the quality of equipment, it's your introduction to bands we might not know and both your personal and professional opinion. superb outfits Stay Groovy

[@VJMorph]

Bassline sounds like Acceptable in the 80s by Calvin Harris (as pointed out below) the rest sort of reminds me of LCD Soundsystem.

[@floyd75dylan]

Sounds like they were inspired by your song Solid Gold.

[@mikewood9514]

Yard act are a great band.

[@gmantramp404]

Happy House 👍

[@mr.ch4rli3_]

It's like a 90s riffs from someone like aqua or like others within that genre

[@naomievans6120]

They sound more like Goldie Looking Chain,

[@ashscottvideo8391]

Amazing, if you liked this checkout The singers old band Post War Glamour Girls, one of my most favourite bands of all time.

[@Luke-cecilpod]

If you’ve never heard this band you need to listen to there first album it’s a masterpiece.

[@Wildatheart81ridesagain]

Don't know why but it reminds me of The Streets in style.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Not bad 😎🤘

[@Rich-Oh]

Their attitude and even their sound to a bit reminds me of American band CAKE (who's lyrics are also genius).

[@spiroskaravalakis9358]

Definitely Cake a bit of beck and even Gorillaz on this record I feel .

[@Obsolethal]

@@spiroskaravalakis9358 Gorillaz makes sense when you look at who is producing... and they all love Beck!

[@charlottelee478]

Please cover worlds biggest paving slab by English teacher another great Leeds band!

[@Rick-qp5zf]

I really think you need to give Tuk Smith and the Restless hearts a listen. I think you’d like it

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

A better model than, say, signing to Universal could be the kind of thing that Deathwish, Epitaph - and before them - Discord were/are. That's more of a question than a statement - I just wondered what other viewers think.

[@Rocksarum]

Where are they from?

[@sidallen3822]

a recently gentrified suburb of leeds - or so they said when they walked on stage at reading festival haha

[@Rocksarum]

​@@sidallen3822oh, thank you, so they're from... LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDS!!!🤘

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

​@@Rocksarum 😂

[@klcast1]

Omg check out dead horse!!!

[@K.R.MacNeil]

G'day

[@ai.d__g]

It's the Sunshine ina bag band

[@knutschack8625]

A member of gorillaz produced it, which explains a lot.

[@danielvahnke3369]

I hear shades of Gang of Four on the HARD album. Sara Lee, baby...

[@lesliehutchins8365]

This reminds me of NUF said Fred! “ I’m too sexy for my shirt”😻

[@thenoodleator]

Lyric theme reminds me of Spiderbait's "Buy me a pony" about being wooed by record companies. (I mean, different obviously. SB were talking about the machine)

[@BrickNewton]

Ohhh Spiderbait! I need to listen to them again. Buy me a Pony was the song that got me into them. Also got to see them live once, it was awesome and full on!

[@1kosmicgrl]

Basement Jaxx vibes 💗

[@Bromlin123]

Review The Chisel

[@thequadglaser1983]

This is good stuff! They remind me of the first time I heard Gorillaz.

[@peteranderson6057]

I think it sounds like The Cure 'Hot Hot Hot'

[@ROCK-vl5yw]

Right behind your head the sheet rock is falling off the wall 😢

[@BrockBarr]

Justin, I would love to hear your fun stories of being signed to Universal. There are so many horror stories about being signed to a major label.

[@sah-win]

Seems ok. I do like the Napoleon Dynamite dancing. Other than that, they kind of remind me of a mix of Beck & Cake. I’m not big on either of those either. Lyrically interesting (like Beck & Cake) but musically not, for me.

[@1893unknownuser]

They sound kinda weird...

[@SuziQ.]

Do you hear a Ren influence? I can listen to Ren, but I don’t want to listen to this.

[@sah-win]

@@SuziQ. My only exposure to Ren is the clips that Justin showed in his reviews so I don’t really remember what Ren’s music sounds like.

[@SuziQ.]

@@sah-win , To be fair, I don’t listen to Ren for pleasure. I like some of his lyrics, and I think his story is inspirational, and I’ve listened to a handful of his songs. If I’m choosing music, it’s not that type of music.

[@SuziQ.]

@@sah-win , I just made a liar of myself. Ren dropped “An Englishman in New York”. I listened to it 5 or 6 times on repeat. It’s a really good cover, and showcases his singing abilities, with harmonies from the other guys in the video. I would buy it.

[@rknrlgrl6146]

I hear a Cake influence :)

[@spiroskaravalakis9358]

For sure

[@CharlesGorrie]

Found them years ago and loved them then forgot almost all about them till just then. Great band

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

I'm not hearing Italo disco (in this song, at least).

[@keithhopkin]

Bassline/sound is reminiscent of The Rapture

[@RosieHarp]

John Cooper Clarke and Peter Kay's love child? 😆 I was a teenager during punk punk, what's the 'post punk' part?

[@simoncaddick9085]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l561Z2CkmrZ1hqc

[@ChrisWilliamsRMWpigeon]

Sounds like kasabian

[@SchrijverMarcel]

Blur meets Kasabian meets Sleaford Mods?

[@jaynerichardson3807]

Domape a Norfolk band please listen