INTRODUCING: Young Culture
Standing out amongst the crowd can be a difficult thing nowadays. With so much available, it’s nigh on impossible to truly make a name for yourself without first committing yourself to a lifetime of grinding on the road due to the after effects of the streaming generation. In reaction to this there has been an explosion in creativity when it comes to sound, though. With band after band trying to push the boat out with their approach to music, it can be refreshing when a band takes a direct approach to writing the catchiest damned songs they can whilst also striving for a sense of real identity to their sound. Hailing from Albany, New York over in the States, the trio of Alex Magnan, Gabe Pietrafesa, Troy Burchett that make up YOUNG CULTURE have been brewing their sound for the past couple of years and released their first taste to the world via their debut EP (This is) Heaven.
The group quickly asserted themselves as interesting prospects thanks to their early 00s-sunshine-rock-meets-modern-technology sound that pops with bright colour and vibrant emotion. It’s a good break away from the constant gloomy reality we all share, and the YOUNG CULTURE self-titled debut represented a real sunspot to break up the grey clouds. And, as vocalist Alex Magnan mentions, “I’d like to think we’ve gotten better throughout the years and finally begun to hone in on a signature YOUNG CULTURE sound.”
“This is the first time it’s felt like we had the process down and had a specific sound we wanted to go for. I guess you could say the past three EP’s were a discovery and I think we finally got it right on this one.” Speaking with Alex gives an insight into how the band are feeling towards their well received debut full length. Having cut their teeth and developed throughout their career, everything is reflected in the confident band we hear on every song of Young Culture. From the soft opener of Bloodthin to the boisterous bang of Better off As Friends there is a real sense of diversity throughout the album. With the catchy hooks littered throughout the record there is clear direction from the band, which Alex then confirms. “This is the first time it’s felt like we had the process down and had a specific sound we wanted to go for. I guess you could say the past three EP’s were a discovery and I think we finally got it right on this one.”
The sense of arrival certainly gives the debut a real impact when you spin it. When you listen to Alex’s self professed favourite song of Hailey Beverly 2016 and it’s delicate passages or the acoustic arena anthem of Anywhere You Go and you’ll soon appreciate the confidence needed to pull off these songs. Thanks to their trial and error over their early years, YOUNG CULTURE have been preparing and training to stick this landing, and for every epic chorus moment there must be as many old time fans losing their minds as there are new fans joining the hype brigade. “[We’re] totally more confident with each one, it’s all a learning experience and I’m glad I’m able to say that we grow with each one.”
With the theme of growth also being one within the lyrics and inspirations of the albums as well, it ties everything up in a really pretty bow for us too. “This album particularly deals with youth and the things that I’ve experienced growing up and entering young adulthood, whether that be love, friendship, anxiety,” Alex explains, and it also helps the album fit the bill with regards to the inspiration young listeners can find within the lyrics and make the personal connection that will really help YOUNG CULTURE explode further as a band.
With an arena filling sound that emulates as much THE 1975 as it does early MOOSE BLOOD and BUSTED, it’s fair to say YOUNG CULTURE has cultivated a musical identity that should serve them well in the coming years. It’s an exciting prospect to watch given the potential hidden within their music, but it really isn’t hard to see this band headlining Wembley Arena at some point in their career trajectory.
Young Culture is out now via Rude Records.
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