The Old Youths – Midnight Takeaways (2021)
Bringing together the sounds of Oasis, Blur, The Verve and The Rolling Stones, The Old Youths teeter on the brink of grunge and indie-rock with pop tendencies. A new name on the scene, multi-instrumentalists Lucas Persin and Joshua Weaver have a “newbie” status within the UK rock scene; however, the UK-based duo are not to be underestimated. Featured in FV Music Blog and several online radio stations/podcasts, these older youths are reaching audiences on an international level. We have the honour of introducing them to you with their debut single ‘Midnight Takeaways’.
Originally created using an acoustic guitar, ‘Midnight Takeaways’ began as a stripped-back ballad “about two people who never have their way with each other”. Yes, the song retains an acoustic-inspired element, but the pounding drums and powerful guitars tend to veer away from the barebones nature. This does not mean The Old Youths have added a plethora of “bells and whistles” atop the simple sound. In fact, it is the harmonic layering of bold instrumentation, acoustic guitars and gruff vocals that make ‘Midnight Takeaways’ unique.
Written as a “romantic acoustic ballad”, ‘Midnight Takeaways’ plunges you into a wistful swirl of sound in the style of Blur, Radiohead and Babyshambles. While The Old Youths have a place in contemporary grunge meets indie-rock circles, this track brings the sound of yesteryear to modern-day society. It is as if the lads want to keep a bit of the old-school music with them as they traverse the drudge of present-day life.
Not a song about the rat race or hum-drum existence, ‘Midnight Takeaways’ touches on romantic relationships, longing, desire and confusion. Written as an “acoustic ballad about two people who never have their way with each other”, ‘Midnight Takeaways’ may seem distressing, desperate and filled with dejection; however, the elegant execution of this message adds a lingering sense of optimism and hopefulness…or perhaps it’s just me loving the richness of Weaver’s vocals. A collaboration between Joshua Weaver, Lucas Persin and producer Rodrigo Francalacci, ‘Midnight Takeaways’ is filled with sincerity, sentimentality and brutal honesty.
For more from The Old Youths check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
