Creativity fulfils many roles for the human condition, and music is no exception. Take The Youth Play, fronted by Latin American migrant Diego Bracho who grew up in Mexico City raised on Latin pop as well as American arena rock like The National and Interpol. Later, working as an environmental scientist in a lab in Barcelona developing bio-plastics from food waste, he realised that meaningful progress was being blocked by profit margins and corporate interests. Frustrated by the slow pace of change he turned to music, believing it could reach more people, inspire more action, and make a more meaningful impact. As the son of a working class Mexican and an Argentinian refugee there is no question that music plays a pivotal part in dealing with challenges. The Youth Play includes Diego (lead vocals, guitar) plus bassist Alex Hanrahan, drummer Finley Bruce and Harrison Ballard on guitar. They today release debut EP someday, forever explores personal themes how people strive to find joy throughout times of desperation and hopelessness.
On the opening track ‘Maybe This Is All For Us’, Diego writes “the deep blossom of our discontent becomes too much” about his fight to retain mental health whilst up against the pressures of everyday life as a migrant, including the stress felt by the looming visa expiration date. The pounding drum creates the sense of urgency, the pacing highlighting an urge to move forward quicker.
‘A Fair Life’ tackles politics and climate change. The horror of extreme weather events, famine and yet the richer continuously increasing their wealth selfishly is stunningly portrayed in this bass heavy track. “Is it a Fair Life?” is the question that needs to be addressed, to be acted upon as the answer is sadly obvious. The tension within this song rumbles along, a sentiment hinted at although the drums and guitars are in perfect harmony, the desire to simply have a level playing field heightened in the frustration expressed. ‘If We Just Ever Were’ is a highlight.
“This is not a song but a public announcement.
We’re just here to make amendments.”
The cryptic title is intriguing and the instrumentation completely absorbing, with a dancey vibe, perhaps emphasising a desire to shake off the shackles and simply live in freedom and peace. The instrumentation absolutely leads the way on ‘A Fair Life’ which bobs along with a lightness of touch which perhaps hides the yearning of the theme.
The second half of the EP takes a slightly more placid, considered tone. ‘Straight Line’ is introspective, pensive in the building soundscape. The band share that ‘Straight Line’ is “a song about injustice taking place right in front of our eyes and being completely impotent and powerless to do anything”. The horror of the current situations in our world are impossible to ignore, and yet how to respond? Title track ‘Someday, Forever’ continues, with its shoegaze oozing a sense of desired connection. “I wanna stay here forever” is the hope. The delicacy of the bass providing an emotive expression of this. The EP finishes with ‘Last Day On Earth’. Having explored the challenges and difficulties with contemporary life, there is perhaps a final simple message. If things are universally so tough, then one should embrace joy whenever the opportunity arises. This EP shares thoughts and desires from the perspective of someone wanting to find peace, to find somewhere to belong, to find contentment. It is wrapped in the most glorious music which expresses these complex issues with such depth and power.
For more information on The Youth Play please check out their instagram.
Review: 7 out of 10