Leeds-based post-punk outfit Yard Act has teamed up with former Nine Inch Nails bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen for their keenly anticipated third album, tentatively nicknamed “YALP3” within the band’s inner circle. The collaboration, taking place in a Leeds studio, marks a potential evolution in the band’s sound as they follow up their critically acclaimed second album “Where’s My Utopia?” released earlier in 2024.
Meldal-Johnsen brings substantial industry experience to the project, not merely as a bassist but as an accomplished producer and multi-instrumentalist. His background with Nine Inch Nails and other alternative acts suggests Yard Act may be expanding their sonic palette beyond their established fusion of post-punk and spoken-word commentary.
The band has playfully described their upcoming work as balancing between the extremes of Napalm Death’s intensity and Bill Nelson’s experimental poeticism, indicating a willingness to push creative boundaries.
The recording process is underway at Nave Studios, their hometown creative hub where they’re enthusiastically crafting what they’ve touted as potentially the greatest third album ever recorded. The group is utilizing professional mixing techniques to balance and enhance individual tracks, creating a more polished sound than their previous work.
The third album, scheduled for release in 2026, continues Yard Act’s impressive creative momentum since their formation in 2019. The band first announced the project during their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival, generating immediate buzz among fans and in local press. Singer James Smith made the exclusive announcement to the Isle of Wight County Press, though album details remain under wraps.
Studio sessions have reportedly featured a relaxed atmosphere with vintage equipment, allowing for organic experimentation with Meldal-Johnsen’s production techniques and instrumental contributions.
In preparation for the album release, Yard Act will commence a strategic tour with The Hives spanning late 2025 to early 2026. This tour, covering major cities including Oslo, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, and London, will provide the band opportunities to test new material and build anticipation for the upcoming record.
The band has reportedly developed a methodical workflow for their arrangement process, starting with melody and structure before expanding into the full sonic landscape. The timing of these performances has been carefully planned to maximize audience engagement leading up to the album launch.
The collaboration signals Yard Act’s ambition to evolve while maintaining their distinctive British satirical edge, potentially blending their punk foundations with more layered, experimental arrangements under Meldal-Johnsen’s guidance.
