Yard Act, The White Hotel. 24th February 2022

Every time I come to The White Hotel I make the same daft joke. Not this time though. If you’re intrigued you’ll have to look at an old review, because this time this lovely venue is gonna have to take a back seat. That’s because tonight it’s hosting Yard Act and these four lads command all the words. In fact that’s a large part of the appeal. Words. Lots of them delivered with a deadpan tone and wit. There’s plenty of catchy hooks both in the lyrics and the music that lifts them, but listen that bit deeper and there’s a lot more under the hood than you might first appreciate. I don’t decry any listener that’s not caught on yet to the darkness that lurks beneath. The music is bloody brilliant and very easy to just lose yourself in like the proverbial mad bastard. If it’s possible they’re getting even better live. They sound really fucking tight and James clearly having had a bit of a rest after that chart battle is on fine form. He’s a boundless ball of infectious (can we use that word yet?) energy. Feeding off a very enthusiastic crowd, a packed one too, who shout every word back. Okay every chorus at least. Apart from the girl next to me who’s word perfect from start to finish, pretty impressive. Trappers Pelts now sounds like a classic. Roll it into Dark Days and the place is bouncing. Forget personal space, forget holding a pint, this is a love in! I’m really not sure how best to describe it other than bloody brilliant. What’s better than being packed into a dark space with a great band, playing great songs that they love and we love, while the world outside goes to shit. Nothing I tell you. NOTHING is better than this. If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket in your pocket to see them (can I have it, I can’t get enough), make sure you get in early as support Baba Ali are well worth wrapping your ears around too.