Dublin's own electropunk powerhouse trio, YARD, have unequivocally arrived. After building considerable buzz with previous singles like ‘Trevor’, they’ve crashed into the spotlight with their self-titled debut EP, a four-track onslaught that serves as less of an introduction and more of a detonation. Fusing the raw and uncompromising energy of post-punk with the relentless pulse of golden age techno, the new EP sees YARD announcing themselves as one of the most impactful bands in the UK and Ireland's underground music scene.
Known for their captivating and at times eerie live presence, often featuring their unsettling mascot, Bucketman, YARD's sonic identity is tough to pin down. It's a genreless, yet intensely grounded sound that hints at influences from acts like Death Grips, SUUNS, and Nine Inch Nails, yet ultimately carves out its own distinct, dystopian space. True to form, the new EP is a straight shot of this potent blend, delivering four quickfire cuts that are sure to have you seeing stars.
The EP kicks off with ‘Trevor’, a sprawling, almost cinematic piece that immediately plunges the listener into YARD's volatile soundscape. Expect a jolt of screeching vocals, euphoric electronic textures, and razor-sharp synths. Vocalist Emmet White sheds light on the track's intriguing lyrics: “I’ve a habit of naming inanimate objects that have played a significant role in my life. In this case ‘Trevor’ was the name of a bike that I had for years, which was passed down to me by my brother. Sadly, one night, it was stolen outside of work. The loss of Trevor hit me far harder than I had expected as it felt like I had lost a friend or a companion.”
Next up is ‘Appetite’, a beast of a track that dives into themes of compulsive self-destruction. It's driven by a relentless groove and a haunting vocal delivery from White, sparked by a chilling line from Robert Eggers’ 2024 film Nosferatu. As Emmet explains: “At one stage in the film Count Orlok, speaking to Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), proclaims “I am an appetite”. There’s a vampiric force in Ellen’s life which she cannot escape and it’s unending in its consumption of her.”
‘Slumber’ offers a shift in dynamic, moving from a feeling of claustrophobic unease into expansive, cathartic territory fit for a dark club. It’s an instrumental journey that feels like a sonic representation of breaking free from routine, a rebellion simmering just beneath the surface before erupting.
Closing the EP is ‘Sunlight’, a highlight of the band’s live sets that has finally been captured in recorded form. It's arguably the most visceral moment on the record, burning with thunderous rhythms and layered synths that conjure up feelings of chaos and disconnection. The entrancing mid-section wouldn't feel out of place in a warehouse rave, yet it impressively retains a deep emotional core – a rare achievement in electronic-infused rock music.
YARD's self-titled debut EP is a bold statement of intent from the band. With their fearless creativity, genre-bending approach to production, and powerful live presence, YARD are forging their own path in contemporary music. This is a debut that signals the start of what promises to be a long, loud, and utterly compelling journey.
For more from YARD, be sure to connect with the band on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
