London-based duo Tainted Youth are back with “Drifting Away”, a shimmering, emotionally charged single that blends the intensity of Liquid Drum & Bass with the vulnerability of confessional Pop. Out this week, the track marks a powerful new chapter for the rising act, showcasing the duo’s signature fusion of high-octane rhythm and raw, heartfelt lyricism.
Formed in 2021, Ryan Hall and Kathleen Down have steadily built a reputation for pairing underground UK club influences with introspective songwriting and a fiercely DIY approach. While still early in their journey, Tainted Youth’s impact is already being felt across the scene—from a Song of the Year nomination at the 2022 Future Hits Music Awards to live performances at Ministry of Sound, The Troxy, and a headline EP launch that packed out earlier this year.
“Drifting Away” is more than just their latest single—it’s a full-circle moment. Originally penned in 2017 before Tainted Youth even existed, the song became a time capsule for the pair’s early creative spark. “We’d only met a couple times,” recalls Kathleen, “but something just clicked.” When Ryan crafted a new instrumental earlier this year, the lyrics came rushing back. “It’s a symbol of how far we’ve come—personally and as a group,” Ryan adds.
Written, recorded, produced, and mixed entirely in their living room, “Drifting Away” is a testament to the duo’s hands-on ethos and growing sonic maturity. With swirling synths, cascading D&B percussion, and tender vocals that ache with honesty, the track stands tall alongside contemporaries like Hybrid Minds and Venbee, while carving out a distinct lane of its own. Authentic, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant—Tainted Youth continue to prove that their sound, and their story, is one worth watching.
