Noise-rock from Dublin. Get familiar. Now.

Abby McCabe

Local Music Director

If there’s one thing I love more than music that makes you move, it’s getting to know those who make it happen.

Since the beginning of hatching my SXSW plan, I knew I had to experience this act live. I just had to. Not only was I attracted to the music, but the band’s very essence captivated me. 

With a sound that sits so heavy on your conscience, it’s as if the rhythm takes you hostage, and the restlessness you feel quickly morphs from a silent plea to an undeniable demand–– to MOVE.

Embracing the ethos of industrial-rock with their own metallic take on the genre, YARD, from Dublin, Ireland, arrived at SXSW with one goal: To make people absolutely lose their heads.

And despite the group’s intense jet lag… 

George: What helped me was getting really drunk.

YARD put on a killer performance at Swan Dive, March 13th, solidifying their presence in the U.S., where I can confirm upon their arrival–heads were lost.

YARD is George Ryan (drums/synth), Emmet White (vocals), and Dan Malone (guitar). Three lads with a serious passion for pushing the bounds of what the human ear can endure. 

I had the pleasure of chatting with the band before their set, where I was keyed in on what makes YARD, YARD. A quick guide to understanding the ins and outs of the Irish noise-rock trio for new listeners. 

Over the years, how do you think your sound has evolved?

George: I think when we started off, we didn’t really know what we were doing. We came from traditional rock bands, you know, two guitars, bass, drummer, singer. So when we replaced a drummer with a laptop and started integrating synths and things like that, you kind of have to relearn how to write music. Took us a while. Say we spent the guts of like, two or three years just kind of figuring out what YARD was. And writing what we thought was good tunes… Are kind of sh*tty looking back. But over time, the production on the tracks has really increased. We spend a lot of time on sound design, making sure everything sounds really good and cohesive these days. 

What are some acts that have influenced YARD?

George: Nine Inch Nails, Death Grips. Stuff like that. I think a lot of noise-rock artists in Dublin would say the same thing. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Gilla Band?

I can’t say I’m familiar

George: They used to be called Girl Band back in the day, and they’re very prominent. They kind of sparked something in the Dublin music scene at the time, and they really propelled Irish bands to be better and to be more creative with their instruments, you know? But I would say over time, we kind of moved away from direct influences and established more of our own thing.

What kind of place does the intensity present in YARD’s music come from?

George: Well, for me personally, I’ve always been a huge fan of techno. From an early age. Industrial stuff. And also noise-rock. I think for the lads as well,  for instance, Dan was really into noise-rock back in the day, and knowing how to use his guitar to create something absolutely mad. It just really works well in that kind of soundscape.

What kind of experience are you hoping to deliver to listeners here at SXSW?

George: To absolutely lose their heads, and you know, dance. All the good things. I think people will get it when they hear it. A filthy kick goes a long way. 

Any new projects to look forward to?

George: We’re working on a new album right now, and hopefully we’ll get that out as soon as possible. That’s the objective. But it’s gonna be filthy, smackin’, smelly in all the right ways.