Yard Act’s website.
I reviewed the last Yard Act album for Pitchfork and enjoyed it quite a bit, as someone prone to Britpop nostalgia (as the lyrics of “We Make Hits” imply, I am indeed a Millennial Man) and all the new bands attempting to channel that sound and spirit while leaving some of that era’s baggage behind. My colleagues criticize the Yard Act for being too accessible, which I think is silly, and misses the chance to enjoy music that can be so accessible in its delivery and meaning. Musically I don’t hear anything new on “We Make Hits” other than a greater use of drum machines (parody? sophomore jitters? no thought put into it?) but the lyrics continue to be great and sharp and might be just a little too clever for smart people who act smarter than they actually are. Not sure how the new album will turn out (haven’t heard it yet) but I don’t think this band is capable of making a bad record. Remember when guitar bands actually tried with their music videos? Let’s bring back that for our never-ending ’90s overdose. The YouTube algorithm automatically started playing Cake’s “The Distance” after this song and wow how on point and not a touchstone I was thinking of. But Cake rules so like who cares.
-Brady Gerber
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