Youngbloods

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Youngbloods" by Tokyo Motor Fist from their album Lions, firing up their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song kicks off the album with a punch, described as a "sonic assault of pure hard rock" that channels the glory days of the '80s. In a 2020 interview with Sonic Perspectives, guitarist Steve Brown shared that "Youngbloods" was one of the first tracks written for Lions, noting that when he sent the demo to vocalist Ted Poley, Poley called him immediately, exclaiming, "These were the best songs I ever heard in my life!" Brown, turning 50 at the time, said the song captured the "little kid excitement" he felt listening to classic bands like Van Halen, a vibe that resonates with the song’s anthemic energy.

Another tidbit about "Youngbloods" comes from its production. Steve Brown, who wrote and produced the album, emphasized the song’s Def Leppard-inspired sound, particularly in its massive backing vocals, crediting producer Mutt Lange’s influence. The track’s music video, released in May 2020, was a hit among fans, with Hairband Heaven praising its catchy hook and uplifting spirit. Drummer Chuck Burgi, in a statement on Metal Forces Magazine, expressed his thrill at playing the song, highlighting how it set the tone for the album’s "game-changing" feel. The song’s lyrics, like "Tryin’ to change the world... Youngblood," speak to a rebellious, dream-chasing ethos, which Brown connected to his lifelong belief in music’s power to inspire, as he shared in the same Sonic Perspectives interview.

Tokyo Motor Fist was born from the long-standing friendship between Ted Poley, the voice of Danger Danger, and Steve Brown, Trixter’s guitarist and producer. The two met decades ago when their respective bands were tearing up the New Jersey club circuit in the late '80s. As Brown recalled in a 2020 Sonic Perspectives piece, they always talked about collaborating, but it wasn’t until Frontiers Music Srl stepped in that the idea became reality. Their debut self-titled album in 2017 was a love letter to melodic hard rock, blending the best of Danger Danger and Trixter with a Def Leppard swagger. Rounded out by bassist Greg Smith, who’s played with Ted Nugent and Rainbow, and drummer Chuck Burgi, a veteran of Blue Oyster Cult and Bon Jovi, the band delivered a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, earning praise for its "kick ass and fandamntastic" energy, as noted by Dangerdog Music Reviews.

The band’s chemistry stems from years of shared history and mutual respect. Poley and Brown’s bond, forged in the gritty venues of their early days, gave them a foundation to create something authentic, not just a "cash grab project," as Brown stressed in a Metal Forces Magazine feature. Their second album, Lions, released in 2020, took things up a notch with guest appearances like Dennis DeYoung of Styx on the title track and saxophonist Mark Rivera on "Sedona." Fans can dive deeper into the band’s world through their official channels: the official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, check out the Tokyo Motor Fist Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for sharing love for the band’s high-octane rock.