Pearl S. Buck once said, “The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it.” This quote resonated with me tonight as I witnessed Y.O.U.N.G’s genre-blending performance at The Deaf Institute. It’s rare to find a band that effortlessly draws from such diverse influences—rap, pop, punk, rock, and reggae—all of which found their place in Y.O.U.N.G’s eclectic setlist. The Manchester-based band is fearless in their musical experimentation, much like pairing unexpected flavours in a donut burger; it sounds unconventional, but somehow it just works.
From the moment they took the stage, Y.O.U.N.G exuded confidence. They played to a sold-out crowd without hesitation, showing no signs of nerves. Their high-energy set included fan-favourite tracks like “Head Space,” “Can’t Resist,” and “Lost Boy.” Each song seemed to get progressively faster, harder, or both, keeping the crowd on their feet from start to finish. For those who enjoy a quiet, acoustic moment in a show—this was not that kind of gig. Even though this tour is titled “The Lazy Tour,” Y.O.U.N.G proved there’s nothing lazy about their performances.
Their headline track, “Lazy,” may be the most low-key song they performed, but it still had an upbeat tempo that had the crowd bouncing along with its syncopated rhythm. Y.O.U.N.G’s ability to maintain that high energy throughout the night was impressive, with no sign of the band slowing down or losing momentum.
One of the highlights of the night was the chemistry between lead vocalist Chez Davis and rapper/keyboardist Ben Donaldson. This dynamic duo shone particularly on the track “Really Don’t Like You.” Chez’s vocals suit the band’s pop-punk roots perfectly, elevating tracks like “What I Gotta Do” before Ben jumps in with his sharp MC skills, completely switching up the vibe. This constant shift in musical style keeps the set feeling fresh and unpredictable, capturing the essence of youth and innovation that the band embodies.
The encore was no exception, as the crowd transformed into a four-minute rave, with strobe lights flashing and the energy in the room at an all-time high. Chez and Ben joined the audience in the chaos before returning to the stage to close the night with their single “Exposure.” This final track perfectly encapsulated what Y.O.U.N.G is all about: infectious guitar hooks, sing-along choruses, and inventive lyrics that resonate with their fans.
Despite being relatively new on the music scene, Y.O.U.N.G has no fear when it comes to pushing musical boundaries. Their willingness to experiment with sound, rhythm, and genre sets them apart from the crowd. With their unique blend of influences and undeniable chemistry, Y.O.U.N.G is a band unafraid to attempt the impossible—and based on tonight’s performance, they’re more than capable of achieving it.
