Leeds post-punk quartet Yard Act released their second album, `Where’s My Utopia?` at the end of last month which had been tagged as a pop, party album, inspired by disco. The band are heading out on a twelve date trek around the UK in support of this release next week. But, prior to this the band have slotted in a few select live and album singing events which go under the banner of the `Where’s My Utopia? Instore Tour.` Birmingham is disappointingly not amongst the dates on the forthcoming tour so for me this was a perfect opportunity to see the band share a few tracks off the latest release in a live environment and in a delightfully relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
The band took to the stage each wearing a hint of orange which I wasn`t too sure of the significance of. I did read that with the colour orange you give off a friendly, fun, creative, and bubbly vibe. Personality-wise, it indicates that you are a social person, and you are not afraid to be seen. This was proved to be so during the next forty minutes or so as the band along with a couple of backing vocalists and another touring musician gave a really heartwarming and amusing performance.
Amongst the tracks from the new release, we heard `We Make Hits`, `Fizzy Fish`, the superb `Down by the Stream` with some stunning saxophone tones and `Grifter`s Grief`. One of the most endearing parts was when singer James shared that anybody could become part of the band and went backstage to find some scissors which an audience member could play. The band played a version of the countdown clock ticking followed by a kind of oom-pah melody before James returned with a couple of spoons and some Haribo fruit gummies which were duly passed to this new recruit who played them admirably during the following number.
This wonderfully intimate show closed out with `A Vineyard for the North` a thoughtful oration shared over an enticing aural soundscape. I have to say I really enjoyed this shortened set which was my first chance to catch the group live. I thought the addition of the backing singers come dancers come percussionists whom I was told were Daisy and Lorraine was a touch of genius and added so much to the visual spectacle and auditory presentation.
The sound produced by Sergio was excellent and the staff at Birmingham`s HMV Vault were helpful and friendly which added to the whole enjoyment of the event.
As the title of Yard Act, West Yorkshire`s finest`slatest releasealludes to `Where’s My Utopia?`, well I think this intimate audience found it here in Brum for at least forty odd minutes.
