Yard Act + Lava La Rue – 20 October 2026 (Sala Apolo – Barcelona)

Sweat, post-punk and a total hit! Yard Act set La [2] de Apolo on fire!

There are nights when Barcelona’s concert line-up really puts you to the test. Last Tuesday (20 October), the choice was difficult: should you see The Strokes, watch The Autumn Defense, or experience Yard Act up close? Spoiler: Without knowing what happened on the other stages, those of us who opted for the Primavera Tour series and headed to La [2] at the Apolo made the right choice!

James Smith from Yard Act,Sala Apolo Barcelona 2026 – Photo taken by Meritxell Rosell for Indieofilo^©

First up is Lava La Rue, the British multidisciplinary artist who, from the very first minute, showed why she has been making such a splash on the London underground scene for some time now. With her magnetic blend of alt-pop, indie and urban flair, she took the stage by storm with effortless ease. Keep an eye on her because she has incredible charisma and talent, and there’s no doubt she’s going to go far.

Lava La Rue, Sala Apolo Barcelona 2026 – Photo taken by Meritxell Rosell for Indieofilo^©

Then came the main event. For those not quite following Yard Act they are a Leeds-based quartet formed by James Smith (voice and sharp words), Ryan Needham (Bass guitar), Sam Shipton (guitar) and Jay Russell (drums).The British band has long been one of the most innovative and exciting acts on the scene, blending danceable post-punk and art rock with subtle irony in their lyrics, not to mention plenty of social satire and political criticism. They arrived in the city, the sweat still fresh on their brows from their latest job You’re Gonna Need A Little Music (2026), released this summer on Island Records and his own label, ZEN F.C., his sound was expanded without a jot of rhythm or edge being lost.

Yard Act, Sala Apolo Barcelona 2026 – Photo taken by Meritxell Rosell for Indieofilo^©

From the very first second, Apolo’s set was a whirlwind; standing half a metre from the edge of the stage, you could feel the pure electricity and incredible sense of connection. Their style is unstoppable: a driving bassline, piercing guitars and an unfiltered burst of energy. James Smith was the undisputed showman: he didn’t stand still for a second, racing from one end of the stage to the other and spitting out lyrics that veered between satire and heart-wrenching emotion. He gave the audience no respite. He was so physically exerted that his cheeks were rosy, yet he didn’t let up on the intensity at all.

James Smith from Yard Act,Sala Apolo Barcelona 2026 – Photo taken by Meritxell Rosell for Indieofilo^©

During the final stages of this fast-paced, non-stop show, we were treated to a series of brilliant tracks, performed almost back-to-back. These included “Dream Job” and “100% Endurance”, and the British band proved that they are at their very best when performing such a fast, frenetic and fiercely energetic gig. Stepping out onto the street afterwards, our ears were ringing, our bodies were tired, and we felt satisfied to have experienced one of those nights of authentic live music that you never forget.

Setlist: Lava La Rue

1. Prophet

2. Hush Hush

3. King of the States

4. Trouble

5. Mustard

6. Nerve

7. Bootlicker

8. My Life

9. Prince of Bologna

Setlist: Yard Act

1. Redeemer

2. Human Sacrifice

3. Cherophobe Rock

4. Dark Days

5. Dead Horse

6. Tall Tales

7. We Make Hits

8. Janey Said

9. Trenchcoat Museum

10. The Overload

11. New Beginnings

12. Dream Job

13. 100% Endurance

14. When the Laughter Stops

15. Thrill of the Chase

16. Y.G.N.A.L.M (You’re Gonna Need A Little Music)