Second Youth return with Only Child, a five-track EP released September 5 via Anchors Aweigh Records, and it’s the most personal, raw, and emotionally exposed release of their career. Known for their blend of melodic punk energy and hardcore roots, the band trades swagger for sincerity—delivering something that hits harder because it feels real.
Formed by musicians with deep roots in the Italian and UK punk scenes, Second Youth have always thrived on urgency. But Only Child isn’t about speed—it’s about weight. The EP dives into themes of isolation, family trauma, regret, and the quiet ache of identity. There are no slogans here, no anthemic choruses for the sake of it—just five cuts of sharp, unfiltered emotion translated into lean, driving punk rock.
Produced by Danusk at Reef Studios, Only Child feels stripped down in all the right ways. There’s clarity in the arrangements, but the intensity never lets up. Lead single “Family Burden” sets the tone: dark, direct, and devastating—accompanied by a music video that mirrors its psychological punch.
This isn’t a nostalgic comeback. It’s a statement of growth. Only Child sounds like a band still evolving, still questioning, still refusing to fake it.
