Yard Act @ Olympia review: Yorkshire band bring community to Liverpool

With nights getting shorter, Liverpool turned its attention towards the inaugural Favourite Days Festival. A celebration of grassroots venues and talented artists from the UK and beyond. Hosting several nights of live music from the 6th of November to the 10th, all profits will be reinvested back into the music scene around Liverpool and the North West, helping to support local venues and bands. Thursday night's event at the Liverpool Olympia was headlined by Leeds rock outfit Yard Act with support from Floodlights and Freak Slug. 

Image credit: Liverpool Olympia (Facebook)

As the nearly 2,000-person capacity venue began to fill up, there was a palpable buzz in the air. People remarked at how beautiful the Grade II* listed theatre was and prepared for the first act of the night. Fronted by vocalist Louis Parsons, Floodlights took the stage and welcomed the crowd into the historic venue. He remarked that Olympia was much bigger than the previous venue they had played in Liverpool, which felt like an apt example of the impact that Favourite Days Festival could have on local venues and the music scene. With iconic venues such as The Leadmill in Sheffield facing closure, it is more important than ever that local people support local music. 

Image credit: Liverpool Olympia (Facebook)

Next up was Freak Slug, the experimental project of Manchester-based artist Xenya Genovese. Heads were nodding and feet were tapping as the four-piece played through their set, featuring songs from the album ‘I Blow Out Big Candles’ which was released the day after the gig. Despite some minor technical issues Freak Slug perfectly prepared the crowd for the main event of the evening.

Played out by KRS-One’s ‘Sound of da police’. James Smith sauntered onto the stage along with his fellow bandmates, inviting Liverpool to “have some fun!” Opening with ‘Dark Days’ from their 2021 EP of the same title, Yard Act made it clear the buzz from earlier in the night was there for good reason. The band played several hits from their latest album ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ which was released earlier in the year. This included their very popular single ‘Dream Job’ which was also accompanied by a dance break and matching guitar solo.

Towards the end of the night a toast was raised in honour of “the good times, no matter how long they do or don't last”, the vocalist stated that if fans “push on, the good times will find us”, before announcing that he loved each and every person in the room. A sentiment that wasn’t lost on the people of Liverpool. The set ended with the song ‘100% Endurance’, with its message about humanity's innate ability to push on despite hardships. It’s a quality which will be important now and forever.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Liverpool Olympia (Facebook)