EP Review: Sanctuary Lines // Yard Arms

It’s interesting how bands lyrics are relatable to the lockdown period we’re facing. Yard Arms’ new EP ‘Sanctuary Lines’ demonstrates this perfectly.

Yard Arms have been on my radar for a while. I was a big fan of their last EP ‘A Glossary of Broken Humans and Beating Hearts’ because of its melancholic dark production. It indicated a feeling of lost and longing, but they captured these feelings with plenty of emotion and passion.

‘Sanctuary Lines’ retains this atmosphere, especially on ‘These Four Walls.’ It’s a massive wall of noise, with lyrics that could now symbolize lockdown: “These four walls make us feel small.” It could be a lockdown anthem, with massive production on the guitars and the drums.

Every track on this EP is a hit, and it’s not often you can say that. The last song, ‘Fables’ is extremely beautiful. The lyrics are about positivity and are hopeful that we will see this period through: “When will we find our solace and our sanctuary lines?” The layered guitars are big and go well with the crushing vocals. Even the bit where the song drops out then comes back in with a bang is incredible. It leaves you with a feeling that we will achieve anything.

I think that ‘Sanctuary Lines’ is a faithful addition to the band’s back catalogue. It’s an important EP to listen to in these difficult times. Yard Arms should be proud of what they’ve created because it will resonate with all of us.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos