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

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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