#pizzacrunch

Set to take over the alternative-rock scene from different ends of Scotland, four-piece Pizza Crunch pair an ‘80s post-punk strut with glimpses of noughties nonchalance to create a modernised sound amidst nostalgic influence. After only a short period of time together, the group have released a number of singles, all of which catching the eyes of radio stations, promoters, publications, and of course that of a small but dedicated audience. From their features on BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6 Music as Steve Lamacq’s spotlight artist and Amazing Radio, Pizza Crunch continue to excel and their headlining shows over the summer in Manchester, Inverness, London, Newcastle and Glasgow can only continue to exceed the hype for their one-of-a-kind creations.

Returning back to the scene, Pizza Crunch are yet again sharing an astounding new single ‘Wilting Youth’, the outcome of a year and a half long project, and it certainly doesn’t fail to impress. Buried in nostalgic tones, almost as an ode to the past amidst a clean, fresh modern approach, ‘Wilting Youth’ serves up a warmth and familiarity that’s sure to appeal to your soul as it guides you safely through its three-minute experience. From the striking bassline to the softened but catchy drum beat, the soundscape of ‘Wilting Youth’ immediately offers a bed of delicate tones and intricate riffs right from the get-go that swoop up your interest and cradle your mind. As we hit the bridge, things fade out in the most whimsical and wonderful way, leaving electric guitar notes to ring out and sees a steadily rising drum beat, further making the atmosphere of ‘Wilting Youth’ feel like some kind of dream amidst the echoes. Vocalist Ewan Hearns adds a further layer of hazy padding to the mix, bringing a one-of-a-kind deep range that carries the weight and emotion of every single word sung, encompassing that of an entire haunting performance like it’s easy to portray. ‘Wilting Youth’ is sure to capture your interest, hooking both new and old listeners and keeping them excitedly waiting to hear more from Pizza Crunch - as surely a band so devoted to such a fully-padded listening experience can only continue to provide the most gripping musical experiences.

Revolving around the idea of fading juvenility and a youth lost in time, ‘Wilting Youth’ mournfully reflects on how the vibrant days of the past are set to never return amidst the journey into adulthood and ever-growing responsibilities taking over. Finding yourself needing to let go of the magic of your childhood and teenage years, ‘Wilting Youth’ painfully dissects how no matter how desperately you cling onto days of colour and irresponsibility, those moments were always doomed to be fleeting - and growing up is inevitable. Closing out painfully with the lines, ‘Do I have to succumb to all the time, why can’t I just hang on? No matter how tirelessly you cling, you will be ripped from’, much of ‘Wilting Youth’ encompasses truly thoughtful lyricism, albeit tender and aching to hear and relate to at times, it’s all the more powerful as listeners find themselves wholly feeling every word - and clinging onto the track, hoping it never has to end either. After spending your younger years craving the ability to make your own decisions, live on your own, and be an adult with a real job, it’s ironic how much ‘Wilting Youth’ really expresses the way tables turn as you enter the later years of your life and find yourself looking back with a plea to return to simpler days.

Lyricist Ewan Hearns shared further on the lyricism that, “I remember actually putting pen to paper for this track a lot more vividly than others. I was sitting in the park on a sunny day during summer, the day was ending and so was my time at university, and I also feared a relationship might be ending. I think all these changes meant that I’d kind of accepted the days I sing about fondly in Young Excitement were gone, and instead of searching for their return I’d come to terms with the fact that they’d dissolved.”

If ‘Wilting Youth’ sums up how you’ve been longing for the blissful past to return, or if Pizza Crunch’s truly nostalgically brimming sound caught your eye, you can check out the new song for yourself here!

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow