Active since 2017, Dominic Harrison (going by the stage name, YUNGBLUD) has grown in popularity in the UK and is now bleeding into the United States. It became obvious after the release of his self-titled EP and debut album, 21st Century Liability, that YUNGBLUD was willing to push social barriers within the alt scene. Songs on the album discussed serious topics such as corrupt politics in the UK, the importance of mental health, and even the American controversy related to the NRA. Harrison has now released his new EP, the underrated youth, that continues breaking the societal mold keeping those that are “different” in a box.
The EP begins with “braindead!” Note the exclamation— it’s loud, rowdy, and easily moshed to. “I think you should clean your teeth/With guilty truths and liars bleach,” he yells. Whether he’s staying true to his interest in politics or calling out a particular individual is left for the listener to decide. Over the course of his growing fame, he’s been open about his disgust about how the the government is run. Harrison believes it’s a requirement to be involved in politics in the time we’re in. With the line “I just want to be pretty braindead!,” he could be referring to citizens who prefer being “braindead,” or uninformed on the lies that politicians may be spewing from their guilty teeth.
Although the lead single “parents” appears to be a “screw you” to our predecessors on the surface, with a closer analysis it doesn’t seem to be the case. It’s truer to YUNGBLUD’s brand, encouraging listeners to be honest with themselves instead of letting the people around you dictate who you are. The single was quite the introduction to his EP—made to be catchy. The opening lyrics “I was born in a messed-up century,” follows through with references to being able to buy a gun at the age of 16, rampant homophobia, prescription drug addiction, and religious contradictions. However, even with being born in a “messed up century,” Harrison sings, “I know I’ll never be alone/It’s alright, we’ll survive/’Cause parents ain’t always right,” as a form of support towards those in the millennial/gen z generation that may feel hopeless when those with outdated views hold power.
The second single, “original me”, features Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons. It’s an ode to those who don’t feel comfortable in their own skin, instead wishing they were anyone else. The song expresses feelings of self-loathing, a shared experience that has appeared in the social media hive mind among today’s youth. It’s a support line; the listener is not alone in their feelings of worthlessness. The end of the song, “Don’t let ‘em waste your time/I’m the original loser/(Congratulations)” is a cheer—even if someone is feeling as if they’re the worst, it’s something to be proud of because no one can be you, and that deserves a some praise.
The EP slows down by the fourth song, “casual sabotage,” which references Harrison’s struggle with mental health. He describes the fight between someone who is struggling with their own existence, the negative thoughts in their brain, and even the ability to speak up about it. When released on YouTube, the single’s artwork displayed Harrison’s mouth with graphic makeup, as if his lips had been sewn shut by thick twine. He speaks to a common experience of mental health struggles; one that is “camouflage” and separates the individual from their own existence.
The introduction to “hope for the underrated youth” continues the slower tempo of the previous track. YUNGBLUD divulges his experience, one filled with hurt, one where he “ain’t got the patience to be someone else.” But even with his experience of feeling different, hurt, and wishing someone would put an end to the misery, he belts “There’s hope for the underrated youth.” The human experience lends itself to feeling pain, but Harrison suggests that even with our experience, there is hope for a better future and existence.
The finale “waiting on the weekend” ends the EP on a slow note. Instead of his typical politically charged style, “waiting on the weekend” lends itself towards pop trends of discussing a girl that appears to have been through better times. Following the timeline of his recent relationship with Halsey, it’s possible that this relationship influenced the lyrics, especially considering he stalled the EP an additional week, posting an Instagram video asking for forgiveness for the delay. It’s quite a lullaby to end the fiery alternative EP.
the underrated youth transitions from loud, pop-punk to low-key alternative, with YUNGBLUD staying true to his roots in the alt scene and breaking from conservative societal norms. But he lends himself to a more sensitive side about both his own understanding and those who have grown up in the same generation as him. This EP is meant to be hope for the underrated youth. It’s an anthem, a form of support to those who have struggled with their own existence in a fairly “messed up century.”
