I shook the devil’s hand
And walked away free
Staring into the fire
Feeling at low risk
After four years of disappearing into the wilds of Scandinavia, Sweden’s Isolated Youth is back with a new revelation, dropping their latest single, Psykosoma. Previously releasing mostly EPs, such as Iris and Warfare, this track marks the forthcoming release of the band’s much-anticipated full-length debut album, Miserere Mei, which, for those who skipped Latin class, means “have mercy on me.”
Conceived during the pandemic—a period marked by unprecedented global disruption and confinement to one’s home—the single emerged in an era dominated by virtual meetings, heightened hygiene practices, and the tangible anxiety of essential goods shortages. Amid the challenges of isolation and the necessity to adapt their living spaces for music production, Isolated Youth were industriously crafting their art. They were supported in this endeavor by esteemed producers Faris Badwan of The Horrors and Max Heyes, known for their work with Primal Scream and The Rolling Stones, respectively. Together, they have crafted a sound that embodies the essence of classic post-punk and early 90s alternative rock.
Psykosoma hits all the right notes, with vocals that carry the grace of an angel before its fall and icy guitar work that could raise the dead—or ink a deal with the Devil. The track is a melting pot of influences, with nods to Robert Johnson’s delta blues, the soulful wails of Nina Simone, and even a sprinkle of Old Testament drama for good measure.
Recorded in a studio that’s practically on a first-name basis with the neighbouring, rather introspective residents of a forested graveyard, Psykosoma is imbued with an atmosphere that’s less about the spookiness of its locale and more about an ambiance that could inspire a thousand Gothic novels. With a chorus that feels like it’s floating in from another realm, courtesy of an ethereal backing ensemble, and Axel Mårdberg’s voice, which could soothe even the most troubled soul, Psykosoma dives deep into the mind-body conundrum with the grace of a literary classic.
“Thematically, Psykosoma delves into the protagonist’s struggles and the inevitable confrontation with personal demons in perceived safe havens, yet it also embodies an esoteric and hopeful psychedelic essence,” muses the band. “This duality traces back to the blues influences in guitar tuning and beyond. The overarching themes of the album draw loose inspiration from Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman,” reimagined with modern elements like industrial drum patterns and unconventional synthesizers.”
Listen to Psykosoma below:
Miserere Mei is out on June 7, 2024.
Pre-order here.
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