Young Fathers- Heavy Heavy Track by Track review
Here are our thoughts on the new Young Fathers album.
Last updated: 6th Feb 2023
Originally published: 3rd Feb 2023
Young Fathers are a band who are no strangers to critical acclaim. Having already won the Hyundai Mercury Prize in 2014, the Edinburgh band haven't looked back since. Always hard to pin down as they blur their sound between different genre conventions, their new album 'Heavy Heavy' looks to do the same. We thought we'd take a look at it on a track-by-track basis.
Rice
There's a texture here that rises and falls like the crest of a wave. There's a lot going on in the background here, with various recordings mixing with minimal percussion and what appears to be a harmonica in there too. The singing is Gospel-like, with voices joining in perfect harmony. There never seems to be a lead melody, it is always chopping and changing.
I Saw
The drumming pattern here is absolutely demonic. The vocals are almost like that of a preacher, as we are bombarded with lyrics with a wide-eyed stare looking right at us. The production is absolutely beautiful here, instantly impactful to the point where you just can't turn away.
Drum
Bass instantly greets us here, as we're encouraged to feel the beat of the drum and just go with it. What has been so gripping about this album so far is that the songs seem to be perfectly controlled chaos, you never know where each track is turning. 'Drum' features scattergun drumming, a chorus of spare vocals coming to the fore every now and again and a meditative main vocal melody.
Tell Somebody
It feels like we're slowly falling and the piano keys are like intricate shards falling alongside us. It feels utterly transcendent. 'Tell Somebody' feels dramatic to cinematic proportions, the composition just keeps getting better and better, and the stakes are raised even without any real lyrical context.
Geronimo
There's an interesting dynamic between the repeated thuds of the drum pad against the constantly blooming background. "I'm on the verge of something divine that's going to keep me alive", you feel like they're on the cusp of that discovery. A cry of "Get uuuuup" that's screamed so viscerally is an inspiring moment that makes you want to shout out just as loud. This album has been an absolute treat to date.
Shoot Me Down
It's very rare that an album feels so singular in its vision. We hear a mixture of samples colliding here, battling with each other for space in the mix. It's like being in a crowded room, bombarded on all sides by lights. You feel as though many epiphanies will be had listening to this album.
Uluation
A song that breaks out into a sense of almost wild celebration, the tongue-curled cries that dominate it are a treat to hear. Young Fathers have the instrumentals to back the cries up too to create a song that is completely freeing in nature.
Sink Or Swim
There's so much power to be found in the lead vocals here. Again, the instrumental backing is one that is completely engulfing, wrapping you up in a wide range of sounds that come together to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
Holy Moly
There have been infrequent trips into darkness on this album, where the guitars come in and feel as if they're possessed by something that threatens to descend from the nearest valley. The drums are absolutely rapid here, heightening anxiety and raising your pulse. The use of collective voices makes their lyrics feel particularly potent.
Be Your Lady
The piano takes centre stage at the beginning, letting the voice soar high. 'Heavy Heavy' has been exciting throughout but you'll feel a wider range of emotions throughout from passion to sadness and excitement. 'Be Your Lady' breaks down into a drum beat that feels as if it is following a dancer's feet before switching up yet again into blissful, euphoric pop.
This album has taken Young Fathers' experimentation to a whole new level. This is a special album, one that feels as if it is completely standalone when compared to their contemporaries. A listen that is as equally bright and freeing as it is dark and unnerving, it has a beautiful dynamic to it. The strongest early contender for album of the year so far in 2023, don't miss out on what is a wholly rewarding journey.
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