At the top of the year, we tipped rising Norwich quartet Young States for big things in 2017. While it might be later than expected, they’re finally releasing their second EP, ‘Past Truths | Present Lies’, this Friday.
It offers five slices of impassioned, melodic and thoroughly honest rock. As its title suggests, ‘Past Truths | Present Lies’ sees Georgia Leeder reflect on troubled past problems and facing them head on, ultimately letting them go. “The idea for the EP name comes from saying that I experience these exact feelings at the moment wouldn’t be true,” says Leeder.
Over the course of 20 minutes, the four-piece produce a gripping set of songs that answers the potential shown on their debut EP. Are they still ones to watch? Most definitely!
With a wide array of influences bringing them together (Brand New, Kids In Glass Houses, Defeater), we asked Young States to pick out a selection of albums that have inspired them.
The Wonder Years – The Greatest Generation
Libby Irons (Guitar/Vocals): I was late to the party with listening to this album, but it’s better late than never! This album is one of my favourite records and holds some of my most favoured songs. I initially heard ‘There, There’ and the song really resonated with me, when I got my teeth further into the album I quickly knew it was going to be a favourite. I went to Chicago Riot Fest ’16 and watched them play the majority of this album live, and it only did the songs more justice seeing them live. The Wonder Years play with a lot of passion and “Soupy” (Dan Campbell) isn’t afraid to voice opinions or topics close to his heart which is pretty inspiring.
Moving Mountains – Pneuma
Molly Draba-Mann (Drums): This album has been very influential for me, not only with writing drum parts or how I approach drumming with Young States, but as a musician as a whole. Stylistically I love this album and how each part, section and all the instrumentation comes together to produce 10 songs that are “massive” sounding! This album is so atmospheric and each part is so carefully thought out to ensure the biggest impact possible, and that’s where I would love to take my drumming and music overall. I want to create an impact and atmosphere! I want people to feel something when they hear our songs!
Mallory Knox – Signals
Georgia Leeder (Vocals/Bass): Every song on it is quality and was one of the first albums I really loved when I got into this type of music. They have stayed as one of my favourite bands since. I don’t think it’s one that’ll ever get old for me and to have such a strong debut album is definitely something I think we all want to strive for.
Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
Amy Jeffery (Guitar): It’s just such a great album with every song having a different feel whilst still maintaining those same emotions. It also has some nice guitar sounds and effects that I have taken inspiration from.
Pvris – White Noise
A band favourite is Pvris’ debut ‘White Noise’. We really like the melodic and dark sounds throughout the record and were drawn to create a similar vibe with our music, more so with our new EP.
‘Past Truths | Present Lies’ EP by Young States is released on 29th September.
