Young Winona - "Sadistic"

Young Winona definitely wears the influence of their hometown on their sleeves, which is a major reason why I’m so fond of them. The trio’s songs reflect the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. Their 2021 single, “L.A. Waste,” did that quite literally, but follow-up releases like “Killer Daisies” and “Red Dress” incorporated the classic sounds of their city in more subtle ways. The former was gritty, yet melodic, drawing parallels to contemporaries like L.A. Witch and Death Valley Girls, while the latter was thrashing and unapologetically in your face, recalling the ballsiness of SoCal punk forefathers Black Flag and Fear. They’re a band that clearly likes to absorb their surroundings for inspiration, and their latest single, “Sadistic,” sees them doing that again, but in a new manner that incorporates some lighter tones.

Don’t get it twisted, though. “Sadistic” is definitely dark and hair-raising (just listen to front person Cassie Gaffaney’s wailing vocals). Still, for a song that’s quite literally a murder fantasy, it’s actually pretty sonically inviting. “Sadistic” has a lighter California feel to it at times with guitars that are definitely still fuzzy and a prodding bassline that sets an urgent tone, but overall, it sits loftily in a surfier, kinda sunburnt sounding sphere. Compared to say, “L.A. Waste,” this song is less sludge-y, and instead thrives off of its brisk, driving rhythm. Plus, the band strikes a nice balance with their harmonies, which sound equal parts sinister and syrupy.

Stream the track below.

“Sadistic” is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and Twitter, and liking them on Facebook. And of course, you can purchase the track via Bandcamp!