Isolated Youth - Ghost Town (single)

After making a triumphant return to the alternative scene with their comeback single ‘Psykosoma’, Swedish Post-Punk quartet Isolated Youth are back with their latest offering ‘Ghost Town’ on 3rd May. This single is our second taste of what’s to come from their highly anticipated debut album ‘miserere mei’ due to release on June 27th.

Born from solitary walks through the streets of Stockholm after hours, ‘Ghost Town’ emerges as a true-to-form 80s gothic/post-punk masterpiece. Guided by William Mardberg’s bluesy Rowland Howard-esque guitar riff, a drumbeat reminiscent of Stephen Morris from Andreas Geidemark, and a quintessential post-punk pulsing bassline from Elmer Hallsby, the track encapsulates the feeling of encountering someone new and seeking refuge from the cold, desolate streets in their embrace. Layered with the hauntingly beautiful and icy vocal hooks of singer Axel Mardberg, the single represents a fusion of the diverse musical influences that have shaped the band's sound ranging from Joy Division to Nina Simone Produced under the guidance of Faris Badwan of The Horrors, ‘Ghost Town’ exudes an inherent darkness while maintaining a high-energy and hook-filled composition.

Of the single, the band said “The track was meticulously crafted in an underground rehearsal space adjacent to a forest cemetery in Stockholm. This eerie and haunting setting, characterised by a perpetual cold wind and unsettling fake bird chirps designed to guide blind people, might not have been traditionally inspiring, but it undeniably influenced their music in profound ways. The environment became an integral part of their creative process, imbuing their work with an indescribable essence.”

‘Ghost Town’ serves as our second glimpse into what Isolated Youth's debut album 'miserere mei' has to offer. Written during the pandemic, the recording process was fraught with challenges, including isolation periods and frequent testing. Nonetheless, Isolated Youth found support from co-producers The Horrors frontman Faris Badwan, and Max Heyes, renowned for his collaborations with artists like Primal Scream and Rolling Stones. With their guidance, Isolated Youth successfully cultivated a post-punk/alternative rock sound reminiscent of bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Joy Division, and Iceage, matching the electrifying intensity they bring to their live performances.

Isolated Youth are known for the environment they create at their gigs. Their familiarity with innovation, intensity, compelling melodies and powerful hooks result in a ghostly atmosphere that can excite crowds in intimate clubs as well as festival stages. Their genre-transcending influences and emotional force create a unique style that captivates any audience.

‘Ghost Town’ will be available across all streaming platforms from 3rd May, whilst their debut album ‘miserere mei’, is set for release June 27th