Paris Youth Foundation deliver their debut album.
Luckily for us last week saw a brand-new release from Scouse sweethearts Paris Youth Foundation. The five-piece are renowned for their upbeat indie sound juxtaposed with lyrics about heartbreak, and needless to say their highly anticipated debut album doesn’t disappoint! Five years in the making and delayed by the pandemic and its numerous lockdowns, this 10-track record of sad bangers doesn’t disappoint and is definitely a debut worth the wait.
Frontman Kevin Potter commented: “This album is a text book on what not to do, on how not to break up, it’s a textbook on ‘how to ruin your life’. It’s a story of two people breaking up in the 21st century, substituting common sense for missed calls and alcohol. It’s about living for Saturday night to lose yourself in nostalgia. It’s about the cities we live in, the songs that soundtrack our Saturday nights and the lies we tell ourselves. This album is our attempt to soundtrack your breakup.”
Opening track ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ bursts into action with its infectious upbeat energy. The lyrics are sentimental and nostalgic as Potter reflects on nights spent “holding hands in the front seat” and “singing to Wonderwall”. The catchy opener sets the tone for the rest of the record and provides insight on what’s to come. ‘Late Night Lost Love’ follows suit with its catchy riffs, deep basslines and emotive layered vocals, keeping up the summery vibes.
The string-soaked ‘Tired Of Loving You’ is a drawn-out breakup track which takes a slightly slower pace. It’s raw honesty and big guitars make it my favourite track off the record. It’s a bittersweet single, as is ‘Tomorrow’, a classic PYF track featuring choppy guitar, a massive chorus, and honest and heavy-hearted lyrics about living for Saturday night.
‘The Back Seat’ is an upbeat sad song about two people getting used to being on their own. Featuring infectious guitars and bright vocals, this track epitomises Paris Youth Foundations signature sound; upbeat indie pop contrasted with melancholic lyrics.
‘I Can’t Keep Up With Your Love’ turns down the tempo again and really tugs on your heart strings. This one particularly showcases the bands range and their ability to nail a slow burning song that builds wonderfully. Emotive track ‘Twenty Two’ is a hook-laden offering and is the final single release, completing the album. The lyric “Pop songs and broken hearts” sums it up!
Next, dancefloor ready ‘You Haven’t Loved Until You’ve Lost’ picks up the pace again. Just made to be played at one of the band’s explosive live shows, the track offers infectious vocals and a festival-ready sound. As the album draws to a close ‘The Mess We Made’ offers raw emotion and vulnerability. Sonically more stripped back, the vocals are the focal point here.
Aptly named closing track ‘Goodbye’ is built around a pulsing, synthesised heartbeat and ends the album on a melancholic note. You’d be forgiven if this one brings a tear to your eye!
In Summary, Paris Youth Foundation have worn their hearts on their sleeves and brought us an album that is equal parts raw, emotional and anthemic. Kevin Potter’s lyrics offer maximum heartbreak and vulnerability set to a feelgood indie-pop sound, and that’s why ‘How To Ruin Your Life’ will be playing on repeat all summer!