It’s been a few years since I sat down to chat with the guys of Young Rival in one of those dark basement rooms of the Horseshoe Tavern—that article is totally vintage OTM, you guys—and I’ll admit that they haven’t been played on my iTunes much since then (my music collection is quite large, okay? Sometimes things—good things—get lost!). But that’s why I was so happy when I was asked to review their new album, Stay Young; it reintroduced me to the band, reminding me just how rad they are.

After 2010’s self-titled debut, which the Hamilton band lovingly described as “wildcat rock n’ roll,” Stay Young feels fresh while still sounding quintessentially Young Rival: part old school rock, part pop, all guitar and drums. Produced by Fucked Up/Arkells/Tokyo Police Club producer Jon Drew, the band’s second full-length is a catchy, upbeat, and very enjoyable 35 minutes of listening. Some of my favourite songs include the sultry and sassy “Let It Go,” the energetic “Valerie,” and the slowed, sensitive “Lost.”

Made up of Aron D’Alesio (guitar and lead vocals), John Smith (bass), and Noah Fralick (drums), Young Rival is, to say the least, a band I won’t soon forget about again.