Young Fathers: Heavy Heavy

It’s been a while...
I thought I’d bring these reviews back with one of my favourite records from last year, Young Fathers’ fourth album, 'Heavy Heavy'.

Side A kicks off with 'Rice', an explosive wall of sound paired with hard-hitting lyrics. It’s a bold and brilliant way to open a record, instantly setting the pace and tone. The energy is relentless. Beneath the sonic chaos lies a sobering message about the gold mining trade in Africa and its devastating impact on people’s lives. It’s raw, powerful, and impossible to ignore.

Next up is 'I Saw', widely considered the standout track on the album. As the second single, it keeps the momentum going with a gripping, anthemic chorus and call-and-response vocals that elevate the song into something almost tribal, a chant more than a tune. 'Drum' follows and continues in the same urgent, pulsing vein. It’s driven by phenomenal percussion that gives the track a huge, anthemic feel. When I first heard the album, this was the song that immediately grabbed me. It’s just brilliant.

After three adrenaline-charged tracks, 'Tell Somebody' brings a much-needed shift in pace. Slower and more atmospheric, it feels like a moment to breathe. The song is carried by pulsing cymbals and powerful drums, and while the lyrics are relatively minimal, the emotion comes through loud and clear. It acts as a kind of crescendo. Subdued but impactful.

Closing Side A is 'Geronimo', the album’s first single. Another slower piece, it’s drenched in reverb with a persistent click track that gives the song a hypnotic rhythm. It might even sound like your vinyl is skipping, but that’s all part of the design. This track is the sound of a band fully in their element. Unique, unclassifiable, and unlike anything else.

Young Fathers make music that defies description. And that’s exactly what makes 'Heavy Heavy' such a thrilling listen.

Side B opens with 'Shoot You Down', a track that makes an immediate impact. Call-and-response vocals echo over a powerful, reverb-heavy synth and almost tribal drums, creating a raw and commanding atmosphere. The song then mellows slightly, giving way to one of the album’s best vocal performances, adding yet another layer to the eclectic mix of sounds that 'Heavy Heavy' has delivered so far.

Next is 'Ululation', a track that continues to surprise. Here, Young Fathers once again push into new sonic territory. It’s short but radiant. A joyous burst of energy that sounds like nothing else on the album. Honestly, it’s hard to describe this one without just telling you to listen to it. Then comes 'Sink or Swim', and if I had to pick, this would be my favourite track on the record. It’s a bombastic anthem driven by pounding drums and a chorus that feels made for festival crowds around the world. It’s an unbelievable song, huge, emotional, and unforgettable.

Following it is 'Holy Moly', which has the tough task of keeping the energy going and it absolutely delivers. A snarling, growling pop masterpiece, it’s one of the album’s darkest moments, both lyrically and sonically. The chorus explodes and continues to build, growing more intense as the track progresses. It’s scathing, bold, and brilliant.

Finally, 'Be Your Lady' closes the album. Much like 'Tell Somebody' from Side A, it’s a slower, more somber track that gently brings the record to a close. Thoughtful and restrained, it feels like a natural conclusion to the journey.

'Heavy Heavy' is an album that doesn’t outstay its welcome. A tight, thrilling collection of bold, modern pop music. One of the best records of the last decade, never mind the last year.

I urge you to give it a listen.