THE VIEW SHARE THEIR MOST VULNERABLE NEW ALBUM YET

EXorcism of youth | The view

When Dundee’s The View broke their five year hiatus and sold out 4 nights at Glasgow’s O2 Academy last year, they left fans with a heavy appetite for more. Fast forward to 2023 and the band are ready to unleash their 6th studio album, Exorcism of Youth. With over 8 years since their last release the band have had to do a lot of growing up, but does their new album reflect that? We look at Exorcism of Youth and chat with Kyle about what the album means to him.

Exorcism of youth

Produced by the highly acclaimed Youth (Martin Glover – The Verve, The Cult, Embrace), the album’s title pays homage to the legendary producer

We recorded an album with Youth called the Bread and The Circuses about 10 years ago which we were going to call Exorcism of Youth because he was into Shamanism. He would do Exorcisms, was into Reiki and stuff. He’s a bit hippy. But we never called it that, so when we worked with him again on this album we thought because we had grown up a wee bit we thought we’d call it that and wrote a song about it.
Kyle Falconer

That song is the albums opener of the same title and it’s a great place to start. The metaphoric example of an exorcism reflects the bands own healing with affirmative optimism. With the same energy as 2011‘s Grace and 2012‘s How Long, Exorcism of Youth is a strong introduction and an encouraging sign of the album ahead.

The wonder of it all

Lead singles Feels Like and Shovel in his Hands are perhaps the most radio friendly songs of the album but generally fall a little flat in the track listings. On the flip side of the coin, Neon Lights is probably the most ‘View’ sounding track on the album. With its big hook driven riffs and energetic spirit, Neon Lights just hits different. Most recent single Woman of the Year is a highlight which reflects Kyle’s more romantic song writing and wouldn’t be out of place on his solo efforts. Track number 3 The Wonder of it All sounds comfortably familiar with the potential to become a fan favourite. With a good dose of melodic charm and good old rock n’ roll energy, the track written by Kyle is a stand out moment of the album.

Allergic to mornings

No song on this album feels like filler though, there’s a lot going on and no two tracks sound the same. There’s some rather deep reflective themes on show which reveal a fresh vulnerability for a rock band more notorious for their rock n roll lifestyle than sharing their feelings.

I think back in day we didn’t really show our emotions. I mean you would if you were writing a song, but if it was deep and you were showing it to the boys you’d think fuck it. I’m just gonna write about sex, drugs and rock n roll. I’m gonna write about getting smashed. But I think that there was a bit where we were all going through our own stuff and there was an appreciation of people’s abilities and to treat their own opinions when writing their own songs. Kieran and Pete’s themes what they were writing about was was totally different to what I was writing about. I feel I’m a bit spacey and in a world of my own, Kieran’s a bit more political and Pete’s been writing for a while but this is these last two album’s are the ones he’s been happy to write on.
Kyle Falconer

One of the biggest tracks on the album is Allergic to Mornings. Penned by View guitarist Pete Reilly, Allergic to Mornings is hauntingly charming. The sombre vocal harmonies and theatrical production are really quite enchanting. Having asked Kyle about the track the message only becomes more poignant.

I think he’s basically helping someone with depression. I don’t know who it’s written for but I think it works for everyone. Everybody needs a wee perk me up now and again. Pete’s writing is quite like that. When he thinks about what he wants to write about, he often will want to write to help somebody.
Kyle Falconer

The final two tracks on the album are probably the most surprising moments. Footprints in The Sand is an electro 80’s-esque synth fueled number reminiscent of Phil Collins In The Air Tonight. This isn’t the The View as we know them. Years ago Kyle shared that one of the reasons which The View went on hiatus was because he wanted to record a musical style album but the other guys werent so keen. This album sounds like their compromise, it’s theatrical without being obviously so. The outro Tangled brings a strong conclusion to the show. It has a similar synth heavy vibe with a dramatic pop chorus and ominous chord change that Abba could have penned.

verdict

If anything can be said about Exorcism of Youth, it is that it shows strength and development in all of their song writing. The themes are far more mature and reflective than what fans usually associate with The View. Like their fans though, they have grown up and their sound will reflect that. By the time you get to end of this album you will be in two minds. From a nostalgia perspective, this is not Hats Off to the Buskers, it’s not even Ropewalk. It might not grab you on the first play but it’s still as addictive. Every listen will uncover fresh little gems that will never leave you feeling bored.

The full interview with Kyle Falconer with Anne can be found below. Listen to more in depth chat about the music, their live plans and the big one, what’s next for The View.