Best of 2016 Playlist

November 5, 2016

Youth in Revolt - "The Broken" Single Review


From the falsetto of the frontman, to the well timed screams and subtle (or not so subtle in some instances) breakdowns, Youth in Revolt definitely prove they have staying power. The proof? This single. Could we be looking at the new Sleeping with Sirens, don't rule it out Youth in Revolt might just be. 

To preorder their album,"The Broken", and get the titular single, click the following (link).


If you've been following this band since the beginning you know that they're lineup and sound have gone through some drastic changes over the past 3 or so years. At the start they had a much heavier, unrefined sound. Lyrics were pretty bad, and the breakdowns couldn't have been more generic. Flash forward a couple of years and the band have finally found their style.

Despite losing members True Arahill (lead vocalist), George Shoulder (guitar), and Scott Baker (drummer), YIR's sound is as it was. Pop punk meets hardcore. This new single banks on the discontent stemming from Election 2016. A song that's full of rebelliousness, unrest, and anger. A complete 180 from their cover of "Something In The Way You Move", which was more along the lines of edgier pop rock. This song banks on the heavier material the band has previously put out like "There for You", "When It's Over" and "Dead Inside". 

It's a instantly recognizable as a YIR track with the crunchy guitars and gritty screams from bassist and vocalist Kenny Torres. A fast, punk influenced track brimming with all sorts of emotions. If you've got an "Election 2016" playlist, add this to it. This is the perfect track to be jamming out to as you stroll into the polling area. The lyrics, while fairly generic as far as "our generation isn't being heard" go, but it's sure to get your blood pumping. 

Another thing that hasn't changed about the band, their keen taste for guitar and bass riffs. In fact, they put the instrumentals forward as the main event. Vocals are pushed back a layer, which is either by design or a failure on the part of whoever was mixing this track. We do the engineer points for mixing in the effects and orchestration seamlessly. 

No matter how muffled the vocals, Tanner Allen has shown he's capable of stepping into Arahill's shoes. We've already heard what he's capable of from his work with Brightwell (which we suspected is recently or soon to be disbanded). He still has a lot of work to do before his voice can hold its own against the likes of Kellin Quinn, or Tyler Carter, but we can't expect him to be perfect on his first outing with the band. 

Summary
After coming back from the brink of disbandment, Youth in Revolt return with a rejuvenated line-up, a more energetic sound, and their debut on the horizon. This song is a good reintroduction to the band, and more than proves to fans they haven't lost any of the things that made us fall in love with them in the first place. This is the band's "Kick Me", if we're keeping with the Sleeping with Sirens comparison. Here's to their debut, and any future singles they may release between now and January. 

Rating - 7.5 to 8/10