2022 was a really important year for whenyoung, having taken a two-year hiatus from releasing music they returned with three tracks. However, the trio had now become a duo, which saw a bit of a change of direction for the band. After being slightly skeptical when this new musical direction started, it was a relief that the quality was still there, even though their sound had changed.
This leads onto their first release for 2023 ahead of their debut album Paragon Songswhich will come out April 7th. ‘Shame Train’ is the latest track to be added to the track list for the album, and is potentially my most favoured one of the four, however it could be recency bias.
‘Shame Train’ kicks off with these fast paced electric drums which are slightly muted, as Aoife opens up the vocals. One ingredient I’ve always enjoyed from whenyoung is Aoife’s vocals, being a fan of Irish vocalists it’s no surprise, but her inflictions on words along with her delivery is always welcomed!
The band still have their indie rock principles, however they’re introducing more electric and pop notions to it all, and it works so well. It would be interesting to see how this is played out live, due to the high tempo rhythm, as the drummer Andrew clearly gets a good workout on this track.
We swing from calm to crazy as move from verse to chorus, and the chorus blows the doors off. Aoife is really good at switching from this really vulnerable vocal performance to overbearing powerful attack on the senses, and she does that so well here as she breaks into the chorus singing “Get it away from me, no shame”.
Everyone may not be a fan of the new direction, but I’m fully behind the movement and this avenue might allow them to try some different things – bring on the new album. In the meantime, all aboard the shame train.