That familiar sound of a driving drumcomputer rhythm and pulsating synth bass line, sweeping guitars and synths, topped off by reverb-laden vocals leaves no doubt about the influences that inform ‘Exit Wounds’: From the darkwave of Clan of Xymox to the art-wave of Wolfgang Press or Associates and on to New Order’s pop hooks, ending in the darkness of The Cure’s early 80s albums, FAKE YOUTH CULT clearly balances on the shoulders of these giants, invoking the sound and spirit of early 80s new wave and post-punk.
Although sounding unapologetically retroist, FAKE YOUTH CULT adds a distinct, personal flavour, combining a popsong sensibility with an unpolished sound.
FAKE YOUTH CULT is a solo project by Richard van Kruysdijk, a Dutch musician, producer and multimedia artist who operates on the fringes of ‘dark’ music. On ‘Exit Wounds’, he explores his musical roots and honours the authentic sound that initially pulled him into a life of making music and art.
Contradictory as it may sound, this new album is as much cathartic and painful as it is slap bang in the middle of his comfort zone. Mixing the raw with the romantic, Richard has a very personal and direct approach to writing lyrics, delving deep inside his personal experiences of alienation and loss. What remains are exit wounds that never really heal completely.
