“Tempest” is a stirring track from Youth Reserve, a band hailing from Arnhem, The Netherlands. Youth Reserve formed in the winter of 2016, an apt season considering their contemplative, melancholic tone on an effort like “Tempest,” a fully consuming effort. A calmly melodic vocal presence exudes a well-paced post-punk fervor initially, as lush synth pads glow distantly. The track expands with anthemic passion thereafter, following glistening guitar additions. The soaring ascension – “not just anyone,” – section around 01:50 shows a brighter, melodic turn that reminds me of peak U2. “Tempest” showcases a well-produced, accessible vein of synth-tinted rock, with nice expansion from initial post-punk murkiness into brighter, alt-rock clarity. Per the band, the track was “inspired by the desolate factories of Charleroi, Belgium.”
“Tempest” is the first single from the band’s debut EP Tides, releasing this summer.Two more tracks from the EP will be released as singles, in May and June.
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“Tempest” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of April 2020’ Spotify playlist.
