miserere mei
Memorials of Distinction, 2025
10/10
The first album from the Swedish post-punk outfit Isolated Youth, the 11 songs are influenced by their Nordic landscape and legends like The Chameleons, The Gun Club and Siouxie & The Banshees.
The busy and droning “A New Day” leads with a harmonic backdrop that suits the hazy singing and Andreas Geidemark’s thumping drums, and “Love Locked In A Dark Room” follows with Axel Mardberg’s melodic pipes alongside William Mardberg’s swirling guitar that complements the atmospheric delivery.
Closer to the middle, Elmer Hallsby’s dense bass illuminates the ‘80s post-punk flavor of “Oath”, while “En ny dag” uses intimate keys amid a distinct ambience of beauty and minimalism.
Further still, “I Have My Faith” carries an atypical density that benefits from the mesmerizing rhythm section and powerful singing, and “Where Have You Been” exits with gothic tendencies that align with grace, mystery and textured allure.
Isolated Youth pen an incredible first album, as they put their hat in the ring as one of the finest new post-punk bands that exists today.
Travels well with: Hiatus- Is; Devarrow- Heart Shaped Rock