“One more time as if we planned it, we just wanna do some damage”
A few months ago All Time Low flipped over a new card and sent fans reeling with questions: a new spade symbol, a new label, and a new sound kept us all on our toes as we wondered what their next move would be. The mystery was solved with the release of Last Young Renegade—we are finally able to map the journey this band has been on for the past two years.
The album kicks off with the title track, it has a similar feel to Future Hearts but with a slight twist that will make you wonder what’s next. The lyrics are to die for, with a reference to Lorde’s “Flicker Beat” and the lilt Alex Gaskarth’s voice does on the word “Darling.” This track has me aching for a summer adventure and dreaming of the energy it will have when played live.
“Drugs & Candy” takes a unique turn. Jack’s guitar track builds expectantly to a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days after. It’s like nothing we have heard from the band before, but you’ll be hooked from the first riff.
The most relatable point of the album, for me, was “Life of the Party.” This track perfectly represents what Alex meant when he wrote that the album is a story of self realization. The dream-like quality of the music allows you to feel the chaos of losing yourself that Alex sings about on the track. The lyric “Somewhere in between who I used to be
and who I’ll be tomorrow” lets you know that even if you might not understand the place you are in right now, you are not alone, you will find yourself soon.
I was intrigued with every twist and turn this album threw at me, and delighted to take this journey with the band I have loved since my middle school days. From noticing the increase in Zack vocals to learning the new ways Rian’s driving drum beat can be used—I loved the experience ATL shared with us on this album. Once you start Last Young Renegade there’s no way you will be able to resist going on this rebellious journey with All Time Low too.
Buy it, Stream it, or Skip it?: Buy it! You’re gonna want to sing-along when their tour comes to your city.
