Youth Fountain "Together in Lonesome" Review
Together In Lonesome, the third album from Canadian outfit Youth Fountain, sees the act fully embrace the aggressive, fast-paced pop-punk stylings present throughout previous works, hone in on the project’s trademark emotional lyrical content, and refine the equally impactful vocal delivery that expertly conveys the wide array of heavy and dark feelings discussed. Youth Fountain have created an album that perfectly encapsulates the mission statement of the band, divulging personal yet universal sentiments that the listener will certainly find comfort in, this time with an optimistic tinge of resolve.
Deeply personal lyrics are the clear identifier and focal point of Youth Fountain’s music. From lead single “Fallen Short” detailing the struggle to discover one’s own self-worth, to “Roses In My Backpack” discussing the internal battle within oneself to carry on from day to day, Zanon’s lyrics outline hardships and obstacles with both elegance and blunt honesty, with the latter’s hook proclaiming “these are the hardest years I’ve ever faced through to feel this pulse each day, it’s a curse that I’m still awake.” These lines are done justice by the equally emotive vocal performances by Zanon, whose voice ebbs and breaks as if to be living the experiences depicted in real-time. Through several tracks of desperation, hopelessness, and self-doubt, there are moments that bring about a hint of optimism to the album. One particular highlight being “Haiku,” where Zanon ponders “how can I learn to be more kind to myself?”
The considerable step up in production and musical arrangements is obvious upon first listen as well. Introductory track “What Tomorrow Brings” launches directly into “Requiem,” with a fast-paced melody line throughout its verses, using the bass to keep up the momentum, the instrumental easing up and laying back in its pre-chorus, before launching into an anthemic chorus with heavy-landing drums and infectious guitar leads. Recent single “Identical Days” uses enormous guitar tones and driving drum grooves to carry itself along a particularly memorable musical journey, highlighting the dynamic sensibility present throughout the entirety of the album. Moments such as “Patterns” showcase a much softer, still earnest and sincere side to the project, with its mellow vocal accompanied by a sparing musical arrangement of an acoustic guitar and light bells, with drums incorporated in the latter half to carry the song to its conclusion. Youth Fountain’s instrumental arrangements work in beautiful conjunction with the melodies and lyrics to evoke emotions in such a powerful manner.
Displaying a clear progression in an already gifted songwriter’s journey, Together in Lonesome feels like a natural evolution of what came before while also standing out as an exciting reinvention. Youth Fountain have presented a definitive version of the project, a gold standard and an essential record not only to their catalog but to the modern wave of emo music as a whole.
Rating: 8/10
