It has been three years since Youryoungbody, dark-wave duo out of Seattle, released their last major project the 2016 EP Betrayer. From out the shadows they’ve come back into the light fashionably clad with their new LP, Devotion. Killian and Duh have created a dark dreamscape that entices you to cut loose like you’re on the set of Queen of the Damned.
In it, you can find yourself back in your deepest moments or freely dancing without a care or worry in the world. Fusing influences from 90’s-00’s, Killian utilizes metallic and industrial percussion to amplify his ghostly synth work. This sound pairs magnificently with Duh’s vocals to create a Matrix-esque soundscape that’s driving and haunting, yet engaging and melodic.
Duh’s vocal work on the album strongly showcases her ability to use her voice as both a driving lead, and an ethereal texture over the beat. Tracks like “4ever” captivate its audience with her signature melancholia and her long rounded vowels provide the foothold for Killian’s driving beats and layered production.
Devotion was written entirely by the duo and was mastered by highly reputable, 3-time Grammy winning mastering engineer, Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in Edgewater, New Jersey. His resume includes names such as Lady Gaga, Imagine Dragons, and Adele. This is a huge move for the duo because not too long ago they did all their recordings in Killian’s basement.
“4ever” – Youryoungbody
Youryoungbody captivates their audience in a complex yet magnetic way. While both fun and easy to dance to, their music is also dark, acting as a release that pulls from deeply painful and personal experiences. This openness is expressed by Duh in the track “Intentions” where she gets the chance to confront her abuser through the song and process the slow death of a relationship.
This level of emotional complexity is what encapsulates us when we listen to Youryoungbody. They have the power within their tunes to remind you of immense sadness, yet simultaneously entice you to let it all go. The collective childhoods of the duo explain this power.
Growing up Killian recalls listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Marilyn Manson. At the same time, he was also bumping Eiffel 65 and a Now That’s What I Call Music CD. Duh also had a NTWICM CD and would pretend to be a pop star in her parents garage. Her go-to back then was listening to Kylie Minogue.
It was from the similarity of a children’s CD that brought together this dark, dungeon duo of the night. YYB gives us this mashup of fun, pain, anger, sadness, and joy. A tumultuous melancholia, Devotion brings together all of these influences and creates something mystifying.
Twitter @DuhYoungBody
Never over staying their welcome or running the risk if sounding repetitive, the album has a delightful pace. Youryoungbody keeps their songs concise unlike your typical repetitive club bangers. The entirety of Devotion is 10 songs coming in at just over 30 minutes, but covers a wide range of space. Songs like “Swordswallower” are screaming for an extended remix.
Overall, this is a beautiful album that tells a story throughout and ends with a bang on “Liveleak” where Killian get to show off his production skills. Fully instrumental, “Liveleak” brings Devotion full circle with a moody mash-up of industrial, trance, techno, and the occasional jazzy tune.
Killian says he’s been listening to more harsher styles like Ic3peak. He made note of it as an inspiration lately especially on this last track. YYB really put their all into this project with Duh saying, “this album really came together through our devotion, and that’s probably where the album got it’s name. We also just liked the way the words sounded.”
Youryoungbody – Devotion
Listen to YourYoungBody
Apple Music | Bandcamp | SoundCloud | Deezer
Follow YourYoungBody
