Yard Act are a four-piece post-punk band from Leeds, formed in 2019 by vocalist James Smith and bassist Ryan Needham. Their debut album The Overload (2022) reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and earned a Mercury Prize nomination, while their second record Where's My Utopia? (2024) broadened their sound considerably - co-produced with Gorillaz drummer Remi Kabaka Jr. and drawing on influences from Afrobeat to film scores. A third album, You're Gonna Need A Little Music, follows in July 2026.
Third album You're Gonna Need A Little Music is released on 17 July 2026 via Island Records.
Second single 'New Beginnings' was shared ahead of the album release, described by Smith as having a '90s Britpop feel.
Lead single 'Redeemer' was released on 7 May 2026, marking a darker sonic direction for the band.
The band announced a wide 2026 tour covering the UK, Europe and North America, including festival slots at Rock Werchter and Outside Lands.
Yard Act confirmed they were recording their third album at Nave Studio in Leeds with producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and Beck.
