EXPECTATIONS – 'Bye-Bye Youth' (2018)

25 September 2018

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Издаден: 2018
Aвтор: Иван Шентов
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EXPECTATIONS have been an indispensable and quite important part of the Bulgarian hardcore scene for many years, yet they still somehow manage to sound surprisingly fresh. Following some line-up changes these guys are here again. Their new album, Bye-Bye Youth, released September 21st, is definitely one of the strongest Bulgarian albums of 2018.

My personal opinion about this album can fit in one sentence:

Damn, EXPECTATIONS have grown up!

Once again the band presents its own breed of melodic emotional hardcore, with lyrics exploring personal disappointments, hopes and... expectations. The new tracks sound really powerful, energetic and mature.

In addition to the way the music on the album is written, the band has grown up in their approach to recording. The album was produced and recorded by guitarist Mihail Slavov (Wind City Studio) and the result is of highest quality. Marius Costache, who’s known for handling all production for their previous releases is on board again, this time on mastering duties.

Let’s now dive in the record. The opening track Game Over begins with melodic guitars and a good old Sylvester Stallone motivational speech. Top score! From now on, the album punches hard and leaves you breathless. Just like the band’s live shows.

Fast and refreshing, the next few tracks give the idea of the main concept of this album – a couple of grown-up kids who still manage to keep the flame and do what they love.

I feel that the two most personal and emotional songs from the album - Stop and K. - are the most influential. Squeezed between them the track I'm Not For Sale musically stands outside the norm, while still delivering a classic hardcore punk message.

The first gasp of air comes right after the middle of the album with the instrumental piece Forever Rain. Delicate guitars create a melancholic atmosphere before exploding into an electrifying catharsis. The closing track – True Colors – definitely has the sweetest gang vocals in the whole Bulgarian hardcore.

I shall say no more.

Bye-Bye Youth probably won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, and that's OK. What’s more important is that we can closely observe the development of an authentic local band, which is not afraid to come to terms with its dreams. Few things are more valuable than this when talking about music.

5 stars from me for this one.