Youth Is On Their Side
They may be young, but British indie rock band Sundara Karma certainly have what it takes to make a great record. For this reason it should come as no surprise that their full-length debut, Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect, hit the 24th spot on the UK Albums Chart.
The album’s leading song, “A Young Understanding,” quickly shows what Sundara Karma is all about: powerful vocals and relatable lyrics. With their strong rock sound, one thing is for sure: they know their audience. Lyrics such as, “it’s just a young understanding / you know, that time is on your side,” are sure to be sung loudly throughout a concert hall.
The band decide to dig deeper with “Flame,” a must-listen with lyrics inspired by Plato and the absurd realities that we buy into today. These lyrics include: “I’m tired of watching the shadows on the wall / my eyes are foreseeing / the shackles open, we’re finally free to bolt / if you’re done with believing.” Continuing in the vein of strong songwriting is a track with a more personal, sadder feel. In “Happy Family,” lead singer Oscar Pollock exclaims, “and if a broken home is on the shelf / you know what we should ask ourselves / were we ever happy acting in a family role?” This song opens the door for sincerity, helping the band become relatable to its fan base or anyone going through a similar experience. The slower melody is mixed with echoed harmonies, giving this track a unique feel.
Other tracks that stand out lyrically and melodiously include “Be Nobody” and “Deep Relief,” both of which are great songs that sound like they could have come straight out of a movie soundtrack. And of course, what’s a record without a love song about a girl? “Vivienne” is filled with upbeat music and amorous lyrics such as, “if you said I needed / to fall in deeper / I’d fall.”
One thing is for sure: Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect is a great introduction to what Sundara Karma are capable of in the future.
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