Album Review: Somebody’s Child - ‘When Youth Fades Away’
Somebody’s Child embarks on a bold new chapter with their sophomore album, When Youth Fades Away, a deeply introspective and sonically adventurous exploration of the inevitable passage of time and the shifting perspectives that come with it.
Somebody's Child, the Irish indie rock band fronted by Cian Godfrey, returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album, When Youth Fades Away, a record that marks both a creative evolution and a deepening of their sonic and emotional maturity. Following the breakout success of their 2023 self-titled debut, this new collection of 11 tracks solidifies the band’s place in the modern indie scene, blending indie rock with electronic textures, pop sensibilities, and introspective lyricism.
Recorded in the US with Grammy Award-winning producer Peter Katis, known for his work with TNational, Interpol, and Frightened Rabbit, When Youth Fades Away, is an ambitious and reflective work that looks at the passage of time, the inevitability of ageing, and the shifting perspectives that come with it. As Godfrey puts it, "If our first album was about running away, this one is about staying put and reflecting. It’s about letting people in and letting ourselves out." The album's personal and thematic depth is evident from the start, marking a significant leap for the band.
Opening with ‘The Kid’, a track brimming with ambition and energy, the record immediately establishes its intent—big choruses, anthemic sounds, and a sense of self-belief that recalls the grandeur of acts like The Killers. The band doesn’t shy away from the big moments, and it's clear that they're ready to step onto the festival stages and bring their newfound sound to the masses.
The album's lead single ‘Time of My Life’ is a cathartic, bittersweet track that embodies the fleeting nature of youth and the complexity of nostalgia. The two-chord anthem was written in a burst of creative energy towards the end of the album's recording process, and it encapsulates the feelings of resolve and acceptance that run throughout the album. “We’ve always wanted to write a two-chord song, and this finally came out without force,” Godfrey explains. “Pure elation”. It’s a perfect example of the band's ability to balance accessibility with emotional depth.
Another standout moment is ‘Irish Goodbye’, which reflects on the transition from youth to adulthood with a sense of melancholy and introspection. It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder of the moments we let slip away, the things we never say, and the inevitable passage of time that shapes us all. Godfrey calls it “a breath of fresh air” on the album, and its understated beauty carries the theme of the record in a very intimate way.
Tracks like ‘Wall Street’ and ‘My Mind Is On Fire’ keep the energy high, with the former especially radiating festival-ready energy. These songs feel like anthems in the making, with soaring choruses and a sense of urgency that mirrors the band’s live performance style. However, ‘The Waterside’ offers a more reflective moment on the record, an acoustic ballad that slows things down and showcases the band's ability to embrace different textures and sounds.
The title track, ‘When Youth Fades Away’, serves as the perfect conclusion to the album. Echoing the energy of LCD Soundsystem’s ‘All My Friends’, it’s a fitting end to the album, capturing both the wistfulness of the lyrics and the emotional weight of the overall theme. Godfrey’s voice here is particularly poignant, even if it sometimes feels like a familiar presence in the broader indie landscape. His emotive delivery is compelling, though it would be exciting to see the band push further into unique vocal territory on future releases.
What stands out the most in, When Youth Fades Away, is how Somebody's Child has evolved from a project centred on Godfrey’s vision into a collective voice that speaks to the universal themes of connection, growth, and change. The record’s sonic palette is rich, drawing from electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk, as well as the personal lyricism of Leonard Cohen. It’s a blend of the past and present, bridging indie rock with introspective, synth-heavy experimentation.
In many ways, this album feels like a reflection of the band's own journey over the past few years. They’ve gone from opening for major acts like The War on Drugs, Bloc Party, and Kings of Leon, to headlining sold-out shows at iconic venues like London’s Heaven and Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre. When Youth Fades Away, is their next logical step, a reflection of their growth as both musicians and individuals.
Godfrey likens the album’s narrative themes to revisiting something from the past with new eyes, like going back to your parents' house and noticing something you hadn't seen before. It’s a beautiful metaphor for the record, one that captures the process of rediscovery, of seeing the old with a fresh perspective and appreciating the moments that pass us by. The album is not just about nostalgia - it’s about understanding the value of time, and the lessons that come with it.
When Youth Fades Away, is a triumph release for Somebody's Child. It’s an album that balances ambition with introspection, big sounds with quiet moments, and an evolving sense of identity that promises to resonate with listeners long after the last note fades. It will be exciting to see how this album translates into their live shows, especially as they continue to carve out their place in the modern indie rock landscape. For a band that has already experienced so much success, When Youth Fades Away, feels like the beginning of something even greater.
Words by Danielle Holian
