Review Summary: An energetic debut album from yet another exciting British band packed full of brilliant riffs, crushing breakdowns and an excellent vocal performance.
In the past few years we have seen a noticeable rise in the number of top quality debut albums from heavy British bands. Marmozets, Black Peaks, Heck and Employed to Serve are just a few examples in a thriving time. All have come with their own unique sound and made a stamp in their respective genres. Now we have another in Blood Youth's debut LP.
Beyond Repair is an explosive album with the energy barely dropping at all over its 35 minute duration. Each song flows in to the next in a very slick fashion; the opening song 'Making Waves' in to 'What I'm Running From' being a prime example. My favourite thing about this album though is the polished metallic hardcore guitar tone which is present throughout and is simply joyous to listen to.
There are very few elements not to like about Beyond Repair. The riffs are heavy and meaty which lock in excellently with the often abrasive verses of vocalist Kaya Tarsus. His use of melody (usually in the choruses) is also impressive; the best case of this being on 'Reason to Stay'. Each song also contains at least one crushing breakdown making you want to tear up your surroundings - which is obviously a positive.
My only criticism of this album is that it could be accused of not deviating greatly from a set formula. Quite a number of the songs have a very similar structure making them at times difficult to distinguish between one another. Despite this, no song feels like a "filler" track with the high level of quality refusing to dip from start to finish.
In my opinion, this is an excellent debut LP and I look forward to seeing how Blood Youth expand on these very solid ideas and foundations in the future.
For fans of: Stick to Your Guns, Beartooth, Stray From the Path, Architects and Every Time I Die
