Yard Act

Prior to forming the band, vocalist James Smith and bassist Ryan Needham had both been members of other Leeds-based bands. Smith was a member of Post War Glamour Girls and Needham played in Menace Beach, two bands that released a split EP together in 2016.^[3] After the release of the EP, the pair began discussing forming a band together, a plan that eventually came to fruition in September 2019, when the pair moved into a house together in Meanwood. They soon recruited guitarist Sammy Robinson and drummer George Townend who played together in Treeboy & Arc.^[4] During this period, Robinson departed from the group, leading to the recruitment of Sam Shipstone.^[4] Prior to the announcement of their debut album, the band had only released a total of four singles independently. These singles were then compiled onto an EP, titled Dark Days, released in 2021.^[5]

Their debut album, The Overload, was released on 21 January 2022.^[6][7] The group was "one to watch" in the BBC's Sound of 2022 shortlist.^[8] The group was also named one of Paste's "Best New Artists of 2021".^[9] On 1 July 2022, a re-recorded version of "100% Endurance" was released featuring a collaboration with Elton John.^[10]

Their second album, Where's My Utopia?, was released on 1 March 2024.

Critics have categorised the band's music as post-punk^[11] and indie rock,^[12] often making use of elements of 1970s Italo disco, '90s hip-hop and early 2000s indie rock.^[4]

Their lyrics are often political, discussing opposition to topics including capitalism, gentrification and social class, told using "dark humour and cynical storytelling".^[12] Their lyrics also take a surrealist style, such as on the song "Payday" from their first album.

Current

• James Smith – lead vocals (2019–present)
• Ryan Needham – bass, backing vocals (2019–present)
• Sam Shipstone – guitar, backing vocals (2020–present)
• Jay Russell – drums, percussion (2020–present)

Current touring musicians

• Christopher Duffin – keyboards, percussion, saxophone, sampler (2022–present)
• Daisy Smith – backing vocals, percussion, dancing (2024–present)
• Lauren Fitzpatrick – backing vocals, percussion, dancing (2024–present)

Former

• Sammy Robinson – guitar (2019–2020)
• George Townend – drums (2019–2020)