The Yards stand out amongst today's slew of rock bands with their bold, fresh sounding songs and in-your-face energy. This Pittsburg four-some has independently released two locally acclaimed albums in as many years.

The Yards edgy-yet-fun vibe comes from great band chemistry, solid musicianship, and four individuals with a flair for playing live. As frontman Camden Leeds puts it "We don't just stand around and play great songs--we really pour it out and people love that." Leeds and guitarist Chris Lohr are the creative team behind the band's tunes. Lohr started playing guitar and bass at age 8, and likewise Leeds was playing multiple instruments by age 10 while "running around the house making up songs".

Their early collaborations in 2002 brought songwriter Leeds to the table with melodies and lyrics, while guitarist-turned-producer Lohr helped to refine and develop them into well-crafted songs. Soon Leeds' gritty, catchy tunes reminded Lohr of his love of great guitar-driven rock, and the two deepened their partnership by forming The Yards. By the summer of 2003, Lohr and Leeds had found ideal bandmates in bassist Nathan Hensley and drummer Ronnie Lavella. Hensley defies the usual bassist stereotype, enjoying the spotlight and often playfully seeking it while on stage. Lavella found a home in The Yards after building a strong musical resume doing studio work and playing in various Pittsburg based rock bands.

The band's musical influences, while varied, have a common thread: intense, emotional, raw energy. While Lohr names Stone Temple Pilots as his greatest influence, Leeds remembers being deeply affected as a child by Handel's Messiah. Leeds explanation captures what many of the band's fans would say about their live shows: "I just love music that makes me react!"