London/ Norwich 5 piece, Youth Killed It are here and they want you “to get in the back of the van man”. I think you should go with them to be honest. Youth Killed It are releasing their album, Modern Bollotics on May 12th, an explosive record mixing the attitude of British Indie Rock with good old American pop punk stylings. The bands previous two EPs show a progression towards a sound that comes into full force on this release. Modern Bollotics is a release I’ve eagerly awaited and I’m pleased to say it did not disappoint.
The album opens with a skit (a nice touch might I add) and then the true opener, (Jean- Claude) Van Mann. It’s a track that plays with the difficulties of playing in a rock band in present day England. The lyrics are sharp and witty as you’d expect from the band that thought to name their song (Jean Claude) Van Mann. It’s loud guitars and louder gang vocals set out a pattern you’ll hear again on the record and for good reason, the band pulls it off so well. This track is followed by Popstar, more catchy guitar work and vocals that almost lean in hip hop directions with the occasional spoken word segment. This delivery is what brings the lyrics to life in a way very few bands manage. The chorus again is superb with a great bridge section that ties together the back end of the song. After this we get the more indie centred , Lads In Love. It takes the snappy lyrical style and makes a love song with it to great success. The guitar work all over the track brings it to life with chilled out verses and big lead lines in the choruses.
Following this we get Fudge. This song earns its place on the record simply for the line “I can spell fudge with my GCSEs”. It throws up almost Blur-like vibes, think Parklife but done in 2017 by a punk band. This band really can write about anything, a skill proved by the next two tracks. The first, Molly, sounds to be about cats and the second, You Don’t Know, includes the line “you don’t know about the sugars in my tea”. These kinds of songs might not appeal to everyone but give these songs a try. Youth Killed It have such a distinct writing style that really is irresistible. What Happened comes next and could be compared to another popular song from last year that pondered upon where the artists childhood had gone, not naming names. This is a bouncier take on that theme that I have to say I prefer. The catchy riffs and catchier chorus make it an instant hit for me when combined with the lyrics that certainly take me back. After this we get Soul Trader which features more snappy lyrics and more commentary on the modern music industry. The band manage to wrap up their views on the industry in happy songs that make them easier to swallow, something I sorely wish other bands could manage. Our final two songs are Job Back, a fierce sing along track that would make me want to tell my boss the same thing if I were properly employed, and Thanks For Coming. Thanks For Coming shows the bands range with moments that drift somewhere between arena rock and brit pop. Guitars make sound in the background while big, big drums and the vocals carry the song forward. It really is one of my favourite cuts from the album with its profound ability to end an album. It’s the audio equivalent the credits rolling after a particularly touching film at the cinema.
Throughout Modern Bollotics we listeners are treated to a loud, proud and sharply written record. The drums, guitars, bass, vocals and whatever else you might find on the album has been recorded and plotted so well. It’s a very professional sounding record that still holds it’s own character, a character that is a key part of what pulls you into the record. The sound is difficult to describe, falling between the styles of early Arctic Monkeys and some punk acts but with many hints of Brit Pop hidden throughout. It doesn’t try to sell itself solely on how easy it is to relate to but it really is easy to relate to which lyrics addressing everything from Call of Duty to the UK rock scene. This record only makes me more excited for this bands future. If you think there’s a slight chance you might enjoy this album, give it that chance! You won’t regret it and I guarantee you’ll have a new favourite band!
Modern Bollotics is released on Friday the 12th of May and the band are playing a UK Tour in support of the record