whenyoung Release Debut EP 'Given Up'

Few bands can boast the kind of striking musical identity as whenyoung. The trio - singer/bassist Aoife Power, guitarist Niall Burns, and drummer Andrew Flood - make some of alternative music's most compelling new sounds; a soaring, stunning, but still singalong take on musical anthemia, that fuses the storyteller's nature of their home country of Ireland with the effortless cool of the London scene they now call home.

Following their recent singles "Heaven on Earth" and their cover of the Cranberries classic "Dreams," whenyoung release their new EP Given Up today through Virgin EMI. Printed on 10" blue vinyl the release continues on from their prior 7" singles themed on the primary colors that are so part of the band's aesthetic identity. Whenyoung note "our EP is a bitesize presentation of who we are, our place in the world and where we're going."

The title track is a perfect example of the band's sound. Underpinned by a driving, Pixies-esque bassline and chiming guitars, it's mix of gritty alt-rock edge with a shimmering chorus showcases just how special the band's song writing is. In the band's own words, "'Given Up' was written after a series of late nights and self-inflicted misdirection. The central message is to take your life by the reins and create your own future."

The track has received great support from R1, RadioX, multiple plays by Jack Saunders who featured the band as Next Wave and made the track his Tune of the week, describing it as a 'party anthem'.

"Heaven On Earth" is a huge powerhouse of a tune. Singer, Aoife Power's attitude-soaked vocals soar over a snaking bassline, jangly guitar riff and powerful drums, all culminating in a massive chorus. The band says, "'Heaven On Earth' is our take on the idiom 'one man's meat is another man's poison.' The song describes how one person's idea of heaven is another person's idea of hell. The video was inspired by the unfinished film L'Enfer by Henri-Georges Clouzot which is based Dante's Inferno. We were really impressed by the experimental cinematography used in this film and wanted to borrow some of the effects used."

"Sleeper" finds the band leaning into the gentler side of their song writing, with a beautiful, folk-tinged vocal from Aoife over Niall's lilting acoustic guitar work. It's an emotive closer to the EP which functions as a showcase for the bands unique style.

2018 has already been a landmark year for the young band. It's seen them perform in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan's 60th birthday celebration alongside Bono and Sinead O'Conner among others.They've also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace. Not a band to rest on their laurels they've had a packed summer of festival appearances. They played storming sets at the Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Bestival, as well as headline shows in October and then supporting The Vaccines in Europe and Blossoms on their UK tour in December.

"We want to be as big a band as we can be," says Andrew, "We're not shy of that." With an album on the way, those ambitions are forefront. Taking the duality of that Irish-Anglo upbringing, and their desire to both connect and transcend, Whenyoung's otherwordly indie looks set to soar. "We want people to have some sense of euphoria," says Aoife, before Niall sums up the duality at the heart of Whenyoung most succinctly: "We want people to be able to laugh and cry in the same breath."

Given Up tracklisting

Given Up

Dreams

Heaven On Earth

Sleeper

UK TOUR DATES

December 4 - O2 Academy 1 - Sheffield (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 5- Rock City - Nottingham (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 7- O2 Academy 1 - Birmingham (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 8- Victoria Warehouse - Manchester (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 9 - Victoria Warehouse - Manchester (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 11 - O2 Guildhall - Southampton (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 12 - O2 Academy 1 - Bristol (Supporting Blossoms/SOLD OUT)

December 15 - Vicar Street - Dublin (Supporting The Academic / SOLD OUT)

December 16 - Vicar Street - Dublin (Supporting The Academic / SOLD OUT)

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