Diamond Youth has recently contributed to a new year of music and really set the bar high. The Baltimore, Maryland quartet, formerly known as Diamond, released their new EP, Orange, via Topshelf Records on January 22nd. The highly-anticipated follow-up to their debut, Don’t Lose Your Cool, will not disappoint.
If you listen to Orange straight through, you may find yourself wondering why your foot won’t stop tapping. The entire record is unbelievably catchy and rhythmic. One could also mistake it as an album written for enjoyment on a Summer’s evening. Separator‘s laid-back melodies, particularly in the verses, makes the track sound like something that could be played in Hollister, or something found on Santi, the 2007 album by The Academy Is.... Come Down starts off at a slow pace, then picks up quite a bit, transforming it into a jaunty album favorite. Tracks like Come Down and Swinging From You bring out the drums and bass quite nicely. The EP’s single, Cannonball has a really trippy tone to it and a trippy music video to match. Vocalist Justin Gilman’s oos stretching throughout the song are signature off the record. The title-track for the EP is a little heavier in comparison to the other five songs. The first verse, both vocally and instrumentally, sounds strikingly similar to the first verse of Foo Fighters’ All My Life. The track sounds like it was written specifically for a live show, and will certainly do well with future crowds. Lola wraps Orange up with a lovely swinging melody, as Gilman coos “I’m finished with my time here/I don’t need anybody new/Only you”.
Those who have been awaiting new tunes from Diamond Youth will certainly be satisfied to know that the wait was worth it. Orange is a solid release from the alternative rock quartet, making them even more of a threat to other bands hoping to release new music in 2013.
Tracklist:
1. Cannonball
2. Separator
3. Come Down
4. Orange
5. Swinging From You
6. Lola
Rating:
Written by Melissa Jones
