Young Widows to perform Old Wounds in full at Roadburn 2019
This summer, Young Widows released a b-sides and rarities compilation. Those most familiar with the band could no doubt instantly pinpoint the origins of each track, attaching them to a marked moment in the Kentucky trio’s history. Largely inactive in recent times, the compilation – DECAYED: Ten Years of Cities, Wounds, Lightness, and Pain – is not a death knell; consider perhaps it is the sound of a band awakening from slumber.
Chronicling the band’s history in reverse order, the album highlights the arc of Young Widows’ story – in fact, it’s not a bad place to start if you’re unfamiliar with the band entirely. A band pieced together from the remnants of hardcore outfit Breather Resist, Young Widows’ frenetic exuberance was captured on record and much beloved by fans worldwide. Later releases are perhaps more considered, but no less essential; dipping a toe into the gloomy waters of goth rock influences yielded acclaimed output such as 2014’s Easy Pain.
If it’s true that absence makes the heart grow fonder, it doesn’t discount the fact that the occasional tease of a live show can still be pure agony, especially when Europe has historically been somewhat starved of Young Widows. So it’s with something akin to relief mixed with pure joy that we announce Young Widows’ performance at Roadburn 2019. For fans of their 2008 release, Old Wounds, the treat is two-fold; the band will be playing the album in full for us!
If you’re yet to immerse yourself in Young Widows – never fear, there’s still time to get yourself up to speed. If you have been hoping for this show confirmation with the intensity we have, relax – you can uncross your fingers and toes. It’s really happening, Young Widows will play Roadburn on Friday, April 12.
Becky Laverty / November 2018
