The Marble Factory, November 26th 2022
Frontman James Smith takes to the stage with a slouchy, Sunday-morning laziness before breaking into a performance that dances just on the right side of a nervous breakdown.
Dressed in the red trousers of an upper-class English Sloane Ranger, Smith is already agonising to pervert expectations. Spitting vitriol about the rich while dressed in their uniform, Smith raises his middle finger as subtly as one raises a glass.
While the recorded versions of songs from Yard Act’s debut album ‘The Overload’ are tightly strung machines, the band use them as mere jumping off points in concert. Even as a fan, it’s impossible to sing along; Smith riffs on his own lyrics, behaving more like a town crier or beat poet than a wind-up doll. ‘Tall Poppies’ is treated to an unreleased extra chorus, while ‘Rich’ becomes slam poetry. He invokes his Muse in real time, letting ideas wail through him at will.
Songs like ‘The Trapper’s Pelts’ are – on their recorded releases – the sonic equivalent of tracing a finger down someone’s back, but in person they become anthems that close into fists. Smith chases his music’s tail, utterly hounded by his own lyrics.
It is instinct to watch out for Yard Act; their live performances are evolving into legacy. Smith acts out the role of the tortured rock-star; whether this persona is fiction or method acting seems up for debate. He howls at the crowd like a spirit unleashed, and weeps to his lyrics like the tortured hero of a melodrama. It’s erratic and frantic – even a little self-indulgent – but utterly mesmerising. Seeing the band play is a story to tell and retell for years to come.
The most iconic frontmen of this decade’s biggest bands are an eccentric bunch – Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Matty Healy of The 1975, and perhaps even Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. – but James Smith is already carving out an alien space among them. He may be fashionably late to the party of the post-punk scene, but the movement had hardly started until he walked in.
@katejeffrie 
@ilnsimages
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.