by Janelle Engle
Poor Young Things, despite their band name, need no sympathy. While Poor Young Things often describe themselves as “lucky”, the opportunities they have are less about luck and more about talent and dedication. After growing up in a small town of Thunder Bay, Ontario, they decided they didn’t want to get “real” jobs and wanted to pursue what they loved instead.
“We didn’t want to get stuck in a rut of playing a lot of cover songs and wanted to do original music.” says Matt Fratpietro, singer/guitarist of Poor Young Things. “We wanted to get a new experience and go on an adventure.” This is what prompted the small town rock and roll boys to move to the big city of Toronto.
An adventure is precisely what the band got. Once they moved to Toronto, things moved rather quickly. They were soon seen and picked up by Bumstead Productions and released their first EP with producer Jon Drew, best known for his work with Tokyo Police Club. It’s been a whirlwind of shows throughout Canada and the US since the big move and it is amazing all this happened in three short years. They write about these adventures in the new album The Heart. The Head. The End. giving an idea to the highs and lows of being on tour and in a band.
“The new album is about the experiences of 27-year-old dudes on the road. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes you miss your loved ones. It’s about relationships and life in general. The album kind of spans all types of scenarios. “ says Fratpietro of the writing process for The Heart. The Head. The End.
This album takes on a variety of lyrical elements and musical influences which is the secret to the bands unique rock sound. “The five of us kind of differ in music influences. Mike is Led Zeppelin, whereas Dave is more of a blues guy. Drawing from so many inspirations and all coming together is what really makes our sound special.” says Fratpietro. “ We had about a year and half before we recorded the first EP and they say you have a lifetime to write your first album. Then the second one is really what you’re made of so we were touring, had a month to write it and then went back on the road. It’s a quick snap shot of where our heads are and it’s a lot of fun. “
What followed the quick album was a lot of success and support. Poor Young Things received the 2013 Sirius XM Emerging Artist of the Year Award and a spot on this years Warped Tour. “We’re just excited to get out there and meet people and play some shows.” Fratpietro says about the upcoming Warped Tour. To get an idea of their stripped down rock and roll sound, check out the cover they did of MGMT’s “Electric Feel”. An interesting twist on an summer playlist favorite which is appropriately for a band. Fratpietro explains the process of bringing this cover life, “Since it’s a lot of synth and we’re just a straight up rock band, we thought we could do a really neat take on it.”
One of the stand out lines on the album is from the song “The State” when the lead singer defiantly sings out, “they say that rock and roll is dead/but I say it’s ours!” This kind of anthem follows through the entire album making it full of perfect summer songs to sing along to with a beer in one hand and your “devil horns” on in the other. If you’re tired of the over processed radio rock, Poor Young Things is a refreshing change and keep things as gritty as they can, just as rock and roll should be. Check out their guaranteed to be entertaining show at Kung Fu Necktie on July 9th or get sweaty with them at Warped Tour. Because like Matt Fratpietro himself eagerly puts “if you’re looking for a great show, we’re looking for provide it!”
