Following their captivating title track release on February 25th, Swedish outfit Isolated Youth are finally ready to unveil their haunting debut album 'Miserere Mei' on April 4th. The single, dropped a month ahead of the full album, offers an enthralling preview of what's to come from the Norrtälje natives.
With its razor-sharp guitars, pulsating basslines, and the unmistakable icy vocals of frontman Axel Mårdberg, 'Miserere Mei' provides a tantalising glimpse into their gothic post-punk universe. Drawing from artistic wells as diverse as Nina Simone and Arvo Pärt, the single weaves themes of guilt, spirituality, and family dynamics into a captivating sonic tapestry.
"With Miserere Mei, we had the freedom to explore and make choices we couldn't before," explains guitarist William Mårdberg, whose intricate Johnny Marr-esque fretwork forms the backbone of their sound. Alongside brother Axel, drummer Andreas Geidemark, and bassist Elmer Hallsby, the quartet has developed a raw, atmospheric style that pays homage to post-punk royalty like The Chameleons and Siouxsie & The Banshees while carving out their own unique space.
Their upcoming album boasts an impressive production lineup, with The Horrors' Faris Badwan joining forces with industry heavyweight Max Heyes (known for his work with Rolling Stones and Primal Scream) at the helm. Heyes himself has described the collection as "an actual real rock album" - high praise in an era of increasingly digitised production. Channelling the dark energy of Joy Division while incorporating the intensity of Nine Inch Nails, 'Miserere Mei' stands poised to cement itself as an essential entry in the modern post-punk canon.
Following the February single release, we sat down with William and Andreas to delve deeper into the inspirations behind what may well become one of the year's most compelling underground debuts.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
William: Oh, this is very hard to say. We had a piano in my home that my mother would play for me when I was a kid. I really loved listening. But me, I am a guitarist and I stumbled upon a custom Jaguar in Soho, London. I spent all my saved money on the guitar, and quit my job and formed Isolated Youth. So that is probably the real love affair. I just threw everything else in my life away, for a little time, and spent several months with that guitar. I think everyone should start over entirely sometimes, falling in love with an instrument is a good excuse.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
William: Rock music. I have always loved a certain rock music. My dad had a massive CD collection, with great stuff, and when I remember when I was like 4 or 5 and he was cooking he would play loud music and I would sit in the next room totally enchanted by the sounds. Some memories are things like, Elliott Smith, Nick Cave. I also fell in love with The White Stripes, I would play their music very loud on the stereo and pretend I was playing guitar in the corner next to the speakers.
What was the first album you remember owning?
William: There was so many things around the house, so I didn't really have to 'own my own special record that was different'. But I guess I was given Lullabies to Paralyze by Queens of the Stone age by my grandma, for my 9th birthday. This is hilarious because she'd only listen to Christian spiritual music. Bach, Arvo Pärt etc. Maybe someone had given her a tip that I liked 'Little sister' that was going on MTV at the time. Or maybe my grandma had a secret devilesque music taste?
What's one song you wish you'd written yourself?
William: Some Kind of Stranger - Sisters of Mercy.
Do you have any habits or rituals when writing new music?
William: I like to just get taken away a little bit perhaps. Trying to touch the 'sensibility'. But usually I write music in my head while doing mundane everyday stuff, like doing the dishes. And then once I approach the guitar, it is almost always already done. But generally, I think one should have the habit of writing music in liminal feelings, in empty rooms, at times when people have forgotten about you, and you should forget a little bit about yourself too.
Who are your favourite artists right now?
Andreas: I've enjoyed some new releases from Dean Blunt, Vanessa Amara and Chihei Hatakeyama.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Andreas: Dead or Alive? Joy Division would be something. Otherwise Swedish royalty The Knife, not active but at least both are alive ha-ha… so that would need a reunion but I don't see why not.
What's the most rewarding part of being a musician?
Andreas: The whole process of making a record from the first rehearsal to the end product where you hopefully find it resonating with an audience, especially when you play it live.
And the most frustrating part?
Andreas: The long wait for everything to be done. Long mixing periods, the operation of the release. It often takes a lot of time from finished song to get people to hear it. Easy to get impatient and frustrated at that.
And what's the best piece of advice you've received as a musician?
Andreas: I don't know about that one but I recently saw a quote from Brian Eno saying that the best thing that can happen to a project is a deadline and a tight budget. Otherwise, if you have unlimited time and all the money in the world you can just fool around and experiment forever in the studio not getting to an end product.
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Stream 'Miserere Mei' below now, the full album is hailed for release April 4th