Yard Act have just dropped their latest single, ‘We Make Hits’, giving fans a sneak peek into their eagerly awaited second album Where’s My Utopia?, set for release on March 1 via Island Records.
The Leeds band debuted the track on Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session show on BBC Radio 6 Music, further fueling the excitement.
The upcoming album follows the critically acclaimed debut record ‘The Overload’, which not only garnered a Mercury Prize nomination but also a #2 spot in the Official Charts. Where’s My Utopia? is co-produced with Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr. You can pre-order it here.
The band are also gearing up for a major UK and EU tour in spring 2024, which includes a headline show at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith on March 27 and a massive hometown gig at the 5,750 capacity Millennium Square Leeds on August 3.
READ MORE: The Most Anticipated Albums of 2024: From IDLES to Yard Act via MGMT
The latest single, ‘We Make Hits’, arrives after the album’s lead track ‘Dream Job’, which received widespread acclaim. Both music videos, directed by James Slater, mark the seventh and eighth collaborations between the band and the director, expanding Yard Act’s cinematic universe.
Frontman James Smith shared his thoughts on ‘We Make Hits’: “This song, born in Ryan’s spare bedroom, reflects on how our process has remained unchanged despite the whirlwind of success. It’s a cynical, yet humorous ode to friendship and the unbridled joy of making music with those closest to you.”
The video directed by Slater unpacks the backstory of two hitmen, Dynamite Dave and Dudley Sunglasses, as they embark on a journey from eviction to employment as assassins. This narrative, Slater notes, continues ‘The Visitor’s journey we began with ‘The Trench Coat Museum’.”
Yard Act has quickly risen as a standout act, opening the main stage at Reading & Leeds Festival and appearing at major events like Latitude, Fuji Rocks, and Boardmasters. Their five-night residency at Brudenell Social Club and performances across North America and Mexico City’s Corona Capital Festival have solidified their status as a must-see live act.
Where’s My Utopia? promises to be a bold step forward for Yard Act, with Smith and the band embracing a wider range of musical influences and delving deeper into personal narratives. As Smith describes, the album is both a reflection of the human condition and a testament to creativity’s power in navigating life’s complexities.
Big big words. If they’re true then we’re in for a right treat. In the meantime, let’s sample a slice of it with ‘We Make Hits’, linked below.
Photo credit: Phoebe Fox
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
