Animal Youth – Animal (Vinyl Album – Weyrd Son Records)
Genre/Influences: Rock-wave, new-wave.
Background/Info: Risen from the ashes of Siamese Queens we welcome the in Brussels based trio Animal Youth. They previously released an EP (cf. “Youth”) and now signed a deal with Weyrd Son Records to unleash their first official opus.
Content: The sound of “Animal” quickly brings us back to 80s new-wave music and other shoegaze influences. I noticed a Cure flavor supporting some of the songs. The tracks have been composed with drums, guitar, bass and achieved with a few synth arrangements. The vocals are expression passion.
+ + + : The main strength of this band definitely is the genius guitar parts. Singer and guitarist Guy Tournay injects a real touch of magic into this music. Several songs are literally carried by the elevating guitar riffs and I especially want to mention “Sunday” as most accomplished composition. The mix of rock, new-wave and shoegaze turned out to be a strong and efficient cocktail.
– – – : The work only features 9 songs, which I think is a pity. A few tracks are softer and a bit moody, which isn’t the most exciting and convincing side of the work.
Conclusion: Animal Youth is not setting the world alight, but “Animal” is a real interesting discovery driven by phenomenal guitar playing.
Best songs: “Sunday”, “Rainy Day”, “Love You (When You’re Dead)”.
Rate: (7½).
Band: www.facebook.com/animalyouth
Label: www.weyrdsonrecords.com / www.facebook.com/WeyrdSonRecords
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