The Yards - 'The Yards' (Industrial Erotica Records/Snapper Music) Released 18/04/05

Anyone with a fondness for the Britpop era might find they are already familiar with the vocalist of this band, as Chris Helme was also the singer for The Seahorses, John Squire’s post-Stone Roses group.  The Yards are a five piece based in York who formed in 2002, and are now releasing their self-titled debut album.

‘Forget Your Regrets’ is a psychedelic, rousing opener with a gritty riff and thumping drums.  It’s full of confidence – and rightly so – before ‘Get Off My Back’ brings the tempo down in a folk-rock hybrid.  Download single ‘The Devil Is Alive And Well In DC’ is frantic with a riotous chorus that begs to be chanted and a dirty garage riff, then The Yards take a subtle approach for ‘Only Myself To Blame’.  A carefully structured ballad, it is driven by along by bass before an epic chorus, which is also a feature of ‘Crime’.

Whilst lacking instant impact, ‘On The Inside’ eventually drills into your mind with some great musicianship and a climatic ending adding to Helme’s emotional cry.  Unfortunately the acoustic flavour of ‘Superhuman’ becomes worryingly similar to Proud Mary, but ‘Pure’ sees the band back on track.  Beginning as a piano ballad, first strings then guitar and drums kick in to build an impressive epic soundscape, rounded off with an instrumental jamming session.  The vocal effects on ‘California’ make the verses reminiscent of U2’s ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me’, but it’s a track worthy of note in its own right, while ‘Fireflies’ is a charming acoustic anthem that sits comfortably on an assured debut from some fine musicians.