8/10

After the release of their under-the-radar debut album 'Guppy' in 2017, New York-based electro-pop outfit Charly Bliss were greeted as a promising yet unappreciated newcomer to the world of 80s-inspired synthwave. Joining an already oversaturated side of the industry was always going to be a tough ride, but after two years of hard graft in growing their international presence, the group have now returned with their second studio full-length 'Young Enough', a release that shows that they are more than just another flash-in-the-pan nostalgia band.

From the very start, 'Young Enough' lets itself be known as a step towards the unexpected with its instantly engaging opener 'Blown To Bits'. From there, the group look to showcase exactly how much they have evolved since their debut LP. Rather than rely on short, radio-friendly bangers to get them noticed, they have delivered a strong and progressive collection of warm and meandering singles that manage to highlight the multifaceted attitude that we saw glimmers of the first time round. Throughout, 'Young Enough' looks to add a diverse and eclectic edge to their growing catalogue, filling this full-length with as many surprises as possible.

This may not be the record that gives them the commercial praise they so sorely deserve, but 'Young Enough' is a fun and free-thinking selection of ideas that show us that this band is far from slowing down anytime soon. Fringe talents like these guys are ten a penny, but Charly Bliss have an angle that few can ignore.