Tainted Youth have never been about doing things the usual way. From self-producing their tracks in a London flat to pulling emotional weight through feather-light vocals and basslines, their new single “Drifting Away” is a masterclass in understated power. It’s a track that doesn’t shout to be heard—it floats, pulses, and breathes in real time.
There’s a softness to the opening seconds that instantly disarms. As Liquid Drum & Bass percussion glides underneath, Kathleen Down’s voice enters like a memory just out of reach—fragile, human, unforgettable. Her delivery isn’t flashy, but that’s what makes it hit harder. These are the kind of vocals that feel lived in.
What makes “Drifting Away” so compelling isn’t just its production finesse or heartfelt lyricism—it’s the chemistry between the two artists. Ryan Hall’s instrumental is full of nuance and care, never crowding Down’s words, always elevating them. Their synergy is unmistakable, and it shows in every layered detail.
The track feels like a spiritual cousin to artists like London Grammar or Maribou State, but it never feels derivative. There’s something unique in the DNA of Tainted Youth—something raw, like truth told over a 3am cigarette break. It’s music for night buses, for rainy windows, for thinking about someone you probably shouldn’t.
“Drifting Away” may be about letting go, but it marks a firm step forward for the duo. With a sound this distinct and emotionally resonant, Tainted Youth are no longer just emerging—they’re arriving.
