Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy REVIEW

7.9/10

The Scottish group Young Fathers, most well-known for their unique incorporations of punk, noise-rock, psych soul, and hip-hop, are a group that has been around since 2008, but has only recently been putting out full-length projects, with their most recent one being 2023's release 'Heavy Heavy' and their 2018 release 'Cocoa Sugar'. 'Heavy Heavy' was a fiery, dense, and energetic listening experience, and is definitely a confident step up from 'Cocoa Sugar'.

"Rice", a track with a plethora of different vocal layers, boppy percussion, and all-around solid production kicks off the album on a very strong vibe-setting note. The lyrics on this track are intriguing, saying "When it's coming, I'll be running, you'll be doomed in ninth". It's one hell of a way to kick off an album, and definitely pulls you into wanting to hear more. "I Saw" follows, with the drums in the forefront, setting such a great environment. The vocal production is also stellar, I love how they bounce off of each other. "Drum" was the first low point in the album, but not horrible by any means -- the layers to this track are awesome, but it's lyrically lacking which makes for a boring listen, and production wise it doesn't evolve much either.

"Tell Somebody" is such a grand track, displaying ambiance, heavy percussion, and distant vocals, making for an ethereal feel. The lyrics are also chilling -- telling you to scream, but then saying that your soul isn't in good enough condition, then urging for you to "please tell somebody". The clashing symbols just add to this urgency. "Geronimo" follows, whose lyrics are lacking but production stays solid. It is a little bit of a snooze fest as it stretches on longer than I'd like. "Shoot Me Down" is also not my favorite as it starts off a little slow, but I enjoyed the deep sound of the drums; you can really feel it in your chest. Sadly, it doesn't build or evolve much until the very end, which is short-lived. "Ululation" picks the album back up with very full-sounding production, lots of beautiful layers, and lovely subtle drums, making for a uniquely soulful sound. "Sink Or Swim" contains a cool wavy bass and is very catchy all-around, with great grooviness from the drums.

The last two tracks on the project are the two most stand-out tracks. "Holy Moly" contains amazing vocal layering, a rough bass that just hovers in the background, very cool percussion in the form of claps, and is just a ride through so many energies, feelings, and sounds. "Be Your Lady" is stunningly unique, going from a light and airy sound to a hard-hitting almost industrial-sounding heavy drum beat, then returning to that light production. So weird -- but so interesting to listen to. Also, the different accents that say “Can I take ten pounds worth of loving out of the bank, please?” add a uniquely funny and entertaining touch. This is a very, very cool and theatrical closer.

I've never listened to Young Fathers before this, but this definitely put me on. It's so interesting how a band can be so heavy and hard-hitting but also at the same time sound soulful and lush. Young Fathers are a group I'll definitely be keeping my eye on.

give it a listen