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McClure's 'Terrible Youth': A Raw Look Back
22 Sep
Summary
- Album explores themes of regret, loss, and shame.
- Features heavy guitar distortion with a distressing tone.
- Addresses police brutality and loss of young lives.

Gary McClure, the frontman for American Wrestlers, has released a new album titled 'Goodbye Terrible Youth.' This work represents a significant shift inward, moving away from the sprawling bedroom-rock epics of their 2015 debut.
The album directly confronts "terrible youth," delving into themes of regret, loss, ugliness, and shame. McClure's lyrics are unabashedly personal, reflecting a candid examination of his past experiences and the memories associated with them.
Songs like "Vote Thatcher" touch upon police brutality and the loss of life, referencing past events such as the death of Kelly Thomas in 2011. The music frequently utilizes heavy guitar distortion, creating a distressing sound that amplifies the lyrical content.
While the album features a raw, honest exploration of memory, its arrangement occasionally feels haphazard, with less emphasis on traditional choruses. However, 'Goodbye Terrible Youth' marks a notable improvement and a coming-of-age for the band.