This year, it feels like I’m writing about more bands than ever before. There’s been a deluge of new acts in this genre, with most offering youthful, OST-adjacent material. Catch The Young was somewhat ahead of the trend, debuting back in 2023. They first caught my eye due to their prominent use of 80s synth but have since taken a more straightforward rock approach.

New single Paranoia catches them in fine form. There’s a certain style of rock music that feels well suited to a high-octane anime opening, and this track definitely fits that bill. The intensity is turned all the way up with thundering drums, pummeling guitar and generous doses of synth. The vocals also sound more assured than in the past. Unfortunately, the songwriting is the weakest element here. The melodies just don’t have the same punch or interest as the instrumental. It comes across as a rather weak song propped up by a very exciting band. In other words, Catch The Young are making strides but I don’t think they’re quite there yet.

Grade: C+