By: Lyn Sepersky

I moved into my first apartment this Friday. As I unpacked what felt like hundreds of cardboard boxes, the thought that had burrowed itself into the back of my mind finally forced itself from the darkness:

Is this it? Am I finally an adult?

It was quite the coincidence, then, that HYPERYOUTH by Joey Valence & Brae came out on the same day. The duo’s third album, HYPERYOUTH is a dance album that focuses on themes of growing up and escapism in the club scene. As much as I love the Pennsylvania based group’s past two albums, this one speaks to me in a way that I didn’t think possible. It exemplifies the beauty of growth, of change, of growing up; all while backing those ideas with a tide of club waves.

This album’s quality is beyond anything I have heard before. For the entirety of its run time, Joey Valence gets to demonstrate his mastery over the production board. With masterful control, the duo takes their audience on a tour of emotion, breaking out their signature upbeat flow in songs like “BILLIE JEAN” before slowing down to reflect in tracks like “PARTY’S OVER”. Even in its slower songs, the album refuses to stop the party. It never takes itself too seriously or forgets that its purpose is to make you dance.

The highlight of this record was absolutely “HAVE TO CRY”. When I first listened to it, I held no strong feelings. Sandwiched between energetic monuments like “WASSUP” and “THE PARTY SONG” made it hard for this track to stand out. But soon enough my second listen turned to my third, my fourth, my tenth. I couldn’t stop thinking about the 80s inspired backing track and how perfectly it mixed with the bittersweet stories told on each verse. No matter how hard someone dances in the club, this song argues, their worries will always be there. With growing up comes responsibility, but with responsibility comes freedom.

HYPERYOUTH answered my question. Like everyone my age, I am growing and changing- but that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun. Joey Valence & Brae have grown so much since their first album. They have gone from the new Beastie Boys to simply themselves, maturing enough to find a unique sound that still weaves in influences from the past. HYPERYOUTH is for anyone moving from one phase to another, encouraging them to find the fun in every new situation.