Yungblud – Weird!

Yungblud is hard to classify. He’s a mix of emo rap, simple indie guitars and raw punk vocals. Like with the creation of the Powerpuff Girls, the world has been given something it didn’t know it needed. The artist, who hails from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, naturally defies all stereotypes.

Like a lullaby, Teresa eases the listener into the record. It is risky to open with a ballad, especially using only a piano accompaniment initially, but it is the warmup that is required. One comes crashing back to reality towards the end of the song when the characteristic hardcore drums and thrashing guitars kick in. Whereas Teresa describes the love of one person, single Cotton Candy portrays the love of many through its raunchy lyrics. The latter shows that such polyamorous relationships should be accepted in modern society just as much as the conventional romance displayed in the former.

Another single, Strawberry Lipstick, follows. This instantly gives an early punk feel reminiscent of the Sex Pistols, with its raw, rough vocals and loud, overpowering instruments. The track shows the true strength and versatility of the singer’s voice. It’s actually hard to believe the latest offering, Mars, comes from the same person. This number is much more indie than punk, with opening acoustic guitars and much gentler drums. There are even parts with no instruments at all, as he asks if there is life on Mars, a question previously posed by David Bowie. Maybe the answers can be found in his acapella voice.

All of the songs have touching messages disguised through upbeat instrumentals. Even the saddest track can become a dance floor filler. This is particularly true of Super Dead Friends, an anthem about living and dying young. It brings a new ingredient to the mix, electronic, starting with the scratching of a record. The screaming vocals are back and his conversational tone veers into rap. The artist’s lighthearted side is highlighted in Ice Cream Man, offering a refrain from the serious tone created in the rest of the album. Yungblud can sing about something as mundane as an ice cream man and still make it sound deep. The titular Weird! encapsulates both the major themes of the record and of this year. It’s certainly been a weird time. Charity is the love child of Blur and Oasis, bringing all of the indie vibes via a strong, singable chorus and simple chords.

Weird! could be a classification for Yungblud. It almost feels as though the artist hopes that by screaming it, the mainstream will hear. The musician successfully replaces all negative connotations of weirdness, making everyone want to be that way.

Regan Harle

Weird! is released on 4^th December 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Yungblud’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Mars here: