Small Yards - Small Yards (2025)

Small Yards are a Seattle quartet featuring two-thirds of the amazing Tuff Talk (Ben Muha and Wes Isbell), joined by guitarist Ron Stohr (Swaggerlies) and singer Jenn Miller. The self-titled Small Yards is out now on Blank Beat Records—a ten-song collection that I’m loving more with each successive spin.

Whereas Tuff Talk leaned into a punk and power pop hybrid, Small Yards play a vibrant brand of garage pop infused with a wealth of influences: country, soul, classic rock, power pop, bubblegum, and sunshine pop. This is a band with major crossover appeal. Honestly, you could slot Small Yards as a support act for The Avett Brothers, The Hives, or Jack White, and they’d win over new fans at any of those shows.

What makes Small Yards stand out is the sheer amount of sticky melodies they crank out and the joy they deliver them with. Most songs revolve around a simple one-line chorus that burrows into your brain like you’re an extra in The Last of Us. Often, they’re delivered with the irresistible dual vocal attack that’s another cornerstone of the band’s appeal. There’s no fighting these melodies—approach with caution.

Some songs feel like a glorious pile-on of hooks and licks, like Downtown, which also throws in some finger-licking guitar solos for good measure. Others, like Shake Me Loose, practically cut through any foul mood you’re in, while Harold sounds like the kind of song that could ignite a spontaneous pogo party. The album closes strongly with Winter Child and Strawberry Summer, two sneakily brilliant and timeless pop songs.