Poor Young Things – Let It Sleep

Band: Poor Young Things
EP: Let It Sleep
Shot of choice: Jager

Written by: Chiara DiAngelo

Buying Shots is no stranger to the fine lads of Poor Young Things: Matt Fratpietro (vocals, guitar), Mike Kondakow (guitar, vocals), Dave Grant (guitar, vocals), Scott Burke (bass) and Konrad Commisso (drums), and couldn’t be happier about the release of their EP.

Let It Sleep dropped last month (via Bumstead Records), and it’s become the soundtrack to my daily commute ever since. Strong lyrics delivered by Fratpietro’s gravelly voice are supported by guitar riffs, pounding drums and powerful refrains; these songs are dying to be sung along to.

The six songs all have an anthemic quality to them. While written out of the band’s struggles to survive in the big city after re-locating to Toronto from Thunder Bay, to the non-musician, they describe life as part of a generation who refuses to yield to the typical conventions of “growing up.” This is perhaps best expressed in the line: “I’m inclined to roll my eyes, in spite all life’s charms / Buy an old car to take me from coast to coast, and get a tattoo on my arm for the first time” (“Reckless Young”). Stagnated by the doldrums of day-to-day living and overcome with a need for freedom, your only means of survival is to plan your escape – who can honestly say they haven’t felt this way before?

Title track “Let It Sleep” describes the tough life of being a musician, giving up many of the luxuries of working that 9-5; however the declaration of “There’s no way in hell we’re giving it up…We fight the war on the weekend!” emphasizes their commitment to doing whatever it takes to “get where you want to be.” And this EP is direct evidence that good things come out of hard work – their effort landed them a record deal with Bumstead Records and the opportunity to record with dream producer Jon Drew (Arkells, Tokyo Police Club).

Their EP can be purchased via iTunes, MapleMusic, HMV, or of course, at any show. Speaking of which, Poor Young Things are throwing an EP release party at the Horseshoe Tavern this Thursday, February 23rd. It’s the first time their adopted Toronto family will be able to hear the songs live since the EP dropped last month – and the last before they hit the road, heading west with The Trews. Come out, and be sure to buy them a shot – they’ve earned it!