Introducing… Isolated Youth

Swedish post-punk Quartet Isolated Youth released their debut album ‘Miserere Mei’ a few weeks ago, and I discovered the title track for it yesterday. What a perfect time to hop on board the hype train for a new band, then! Inspired by the Nordic landscape they grew up in, Isolated Youth produce cold, icy, gothic-tinged post-punk. Songs have a creepy undertone, and there’s plenty of harsh guitar and industrial percussion to bring the drama.

Isolated Youth’s debut album was co-produced by Max Heyes, who introduced the band to some of their more experimental musical textures. Bringing in metal from construction sites, vocoders for vocalist Axel’s wide and dynamic vocal range, and creating a playground for sound and sonic exploration. Isolated Youth cite Depeche Mode as one of their influences, but their actual sound is far heavier and grittier. I particularly like how the band ratchets up tension and drama by bolstering the traditional rock quartet with those unusual, harsh sounds. It makes me want to rock harder.

‘Miserere Mei’ (which roughly translates to ‘Have Mercy On Me’) is the central track on the 11-track album, which reflects on health issues, pandemic disruptions, and personal trauma. It is also an album about resistance and resilience, and that comes through on the strong anthemic songwriting and the confident delivery of every note.

For more information, visit Isolated Youth’s website. ‘Miserere Mei’ is out now, and I’ll be circling back for a review later this summer.

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