‘Young the Giant’ is an American five piece rock band with an eclectic feel in Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley, Eric Cannata, Payam Doostzadeh, and François Comtois. A quintet of Persian, Indian, British, and French Canadian descent hailing from Newport Beach, California is something a bit different. The band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records. ‘Young the Giant's’ sound is as uniquely diverse and eclectic as its five members. It’s a merger of international names and assorted backgrounds that combine to produce a refreshing brand of sun soaked Indie rock. With thriving experimental compositions complimented by subtle pop hooks and somewhat restful vocals, it is a sound all their own. That said, they are perhaps yet to find their definitive sound.
Their self titled debut was released in the US on the 25th January this year, with UK release following some months later on the 2nd of May.
English singer of, ‘The Smiths’ fame, Morrissey declared, ‘Young The Giant’ as one of his favourite new bands. That said, Morrissey is in a fairly strong run of some fairly ‘out there’ views, so I’m not sure if his critique is trustworthy. Another, currently hot band, Incubus has put their faith in this band by having them join on their current tour.
First track, ‘Apartment’ is easy listening, chilled music with lyrical delivery somewhere between Paulo Nutini and Chris Martin. Not an outstanding opener, but good enough to listen a little further. The next tune, ‘My Body’ is the track that enticed me to review this band. Whilst loosely watching the recent MTV Video Music Awards (where limited videos were actually shown), this band were the only guitar band to perform and the performance was both enjoyable and refreshing. The track itself is lively with, Kings of Leon type guitar chords, rhythms and crashing drum beats complemented well with front man, Gadhia fantastic in the lyrical department. It’s a happy summer tune…an anthem in every sense. The KOL comparison continues in the opening riff of, ‘I Got’, although to be fair, it’s perhaps a little more, Strokes. It’s a dreamy little track that lacks any real edge.
‘Cough Syrup’ could again, very easily be a song by Scottish pop singer, Paulo Nutini in the manner in which, Gadhia pronounces the lyrics and quivers his voice in this love song - “One more spoon of cough syrup now, woah-oh oh”. ‘God Made Man’ struts along in what has become the usual laid back fashion, before exploding in to a wall of aggression from the front man that I wish I heard more frequently.
‘12 Fingers’ and ‘Strings’ that follow have me thinking of an English band called, ‘Embrace’ who gave me the same feeling when they made some strides in the musical press a decade or two ago - decent, the band are fairly talented, but it’s a little hollow. I want more and I think they have it, but they’re not exposing it yet.
‘Your Side’ is in the, ‘Cold War Kids’ locale of sound. Some really cool sounds on this one which is a well composed piece. Very listenable…like radio music, but failing to grab me by the scruff of the neck and demand more. ‘Garands’ hosts some cute little guitar riffs and crashing drum beats that liven things up a bit. ‘St. Walker’ starts off with a great little tisk tisk tisk drum and fantastic slide guitar line, before the lead man goes on to talk through the life of a prostitute. This is certainly one of the stronger tracks on the album. Really interestingly pieced together…it’s like three songs in one, but works.
‘Islands’ has a haunting sound throughout and again, beautifully delivered lyrics from the talented front man. It’s a huge variation to the closer, ‘Guns Out’ which is as danceable and anthemic as, ’Sit Down’, or, ‘She’s a Star’ from, James of 80’s/90’s fame.
Something of indistinctness pervades this album. I do like the sound, but often want myself wanting more. The explosiveness of, ‘My Body’ and ‘God Made Man’ are something I feel that they should focus on as well as sounds like the clever and smartly named, ‘St. Walker’. All too often on this debut effort, nicely distorted guitars meander and stir, but never conclude in anything special. I do think the band need to focus on a sound and form a trademark, but there are positive enough sounds on this debut that has me intrigued for the follow up. Rating: 6/10 (with room for rating review)
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