The Soulcialista: Electric Youth

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: INNERWORLD BY ELECTRIC YOUTH
by Daniel Harris

Electric Youth is free to create in a space that is most pleasing to them as musicians and true artists. Much like the cover art for their debut album Innerworld, their world is untouched by industry or over-burdening expectations. This album perfectly reflects an innovative nature rarely found in today's music.

Steeped in sounds and concepts of noted 80s synth-pop bands, Electric Youth took inspiration from a number of sources to help give depth and texture to Innerworld. Whether it was working with a vintage synthesizer collection or watching films like Metropolis and Heavenly Creatures, Electric Youth used this variety of influences to give this album more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Traveling between LA and Toronto to complete this album, Austin Garrick and Bronwyn Griffin's labor of love is evident from the first listen. Before Life has no lyrical or vocal content, yet it is able to give a true sense of the emotions of the album. Anticipation and the promise of the album both build in tandem with climactic synth chords and effects.

WeAreTheYouth and Innocence are perfect representations of Innerworld's atmospheric nature. Both songs project what seems to be a very introspective view of Electric Youth's inner world. Both songs, complete with driving, repetitive synth bass, fascinating arrangements and catchy hooks, reflect an appreciation for and a longing to maintain a world not effected by the ills of industry demands.

If All She Has Is You is a delightful ballad that presents a pleasant break from the upbeat nature of this album. Austin trades programming and deep synth bass for a more simplistic, melodic arrangement. This pairs perfectly with Bronwyn's entrancing and airy voice.

Overall, Innerworld is a perfect introduction to Electric Youth and is an album that should definitely be in every Headphone Junkie's collection.

Innerworld will be released September 30th and is available for pre order now on iTunes and Amazon.

::GET FAMILIAR:: ELECTRIC YOUTH
by Daniel Harris

Electric Youth is probably best known for their entrancing collaboration with College A Real Hero from the movie Drive. True, you will feel very nostalgic while listening to their music. If the 80s was your decade, you will be transported back to the days of your big hair, wondering who shot JR, cruising in your Trans Am and waiting in line for Back To The Future tickets.

While you are in your nostalgic trance, do not mistake Electric Youth for your average tribute or cover band. On the contrary, they transcends mere novelty creations to a plain where reverence and a deep connection to their sound reside.

Based in Toronto, Austin (also known as Watts) and Bronwyn officially formed Electric Youth in 2009. However, their history together reached back to their 7th grade days when a young Austin asked Bronwyn out. In an interview for Rolling Stone Magazine, Austin says, "We love the present but how could we not be reminded of the past when every day, we see the person we had a crush on since 7th grade?"

Austin, who grew up listening to everything from 80s pop to reggae, perfectly captures the essence of the synth pop era in his production. His use of authentic and vintage synthesizers and analog sounds shows his deep respect and appreciation for the genre.

Bronwyn's family preferred church songs and the very classic (and solid) songwriting skills of James Taylor and The Beatles. The influence of this combination is evident in her stunning vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics. Perhaps it is this deep passion for their music and each other is the reason Electric Youth has captured the attention of many.

Get even more familiar with Electric Youth, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Also, be on the look out for their debut album Innerworld, releasing this September.