“You say you saw something in me”, yes, that would be right, I can see beautiful melodies, complimenting harmonies and a whole plethora of stunning summer vibes.
Nothing pulls on the heart more than delicate strings and violin, the arrangement always brings a surreal nostalgic vibe to any record, and thankfully there are plenty of these moments on The Youth and Young’s debut EP.
That this band only came together five months ago makes this collection of songs an even greater achievement, there is a graced elegance and maturity to the composition that outlives the bands inception.
‘Airs & Graces’ hoots and howls; all the while building a bustling wall of harmonic colloquialism over seeping interchanging male and female vocals.
Dual vocals becomes a much-used weapon over the six tracks, but my god, it works so well.
‘Blanket’ organically weaves together piano, violin, and a fantastically powerfully driven guitar into complete organised chaos.
Below the wave of impeccable musicianship, though, there is a charming innocence and awkwardness akin to anything Conor Oberst has ever written.
For example on ‘Unsung’ vocalist Alice Anderson lays down an anecdote of faith in an inspiring figure that seems to have lost their way, her hauntingly affecting voice acts like a beacon of light to find some sort of security and warmth for those with self doubt.
If there is an overall message in The Youth and Young to be found, then it is located in closer ‘The Colour Upstream’, which exuberantly links the maturity of the compositions with the youthfulness of the lyrical content.
‘A song for our sweetheart and here is how it goes’, it is this assertive swagger that injects itself through every bend and break within the Edinburgh septets music that will ensure an incredibly successful future.
Words: Chris Kelman
