Today I needed a break from heavy riffs, yelping and electronics so I flicked through my latest Nylon magazine to see who they had featured this month. Young the Giant from Newport Beach, California. Don’t judge them on location. Made up of Persian, Indian, British and French Canadian origins, these boys are miles away from the orange stained air heads you’ve probably seen from this area on our TVs. Instead they are refreshingly down to earth, honest and raw. They do behold one major element of California with them. They resemble a sunset on a beach, the ocean, the sun, the colours, the magic and the peace.
They started out with the band name, The Jakes and supported Kings of Leon after winning a competition in 2009. They played festivals, various airplays and after signing to Roadrunner Records, they toured for the most of 2010 with Minus the Bear and Steel Train. Since then they have played with Marina and the Diamonds, The Futureheads and The neon Trees. Their first album was physically released earlier this year.
Their ambient music has astounding harmonies and an authentic indie vibe that most of your common alternative fourth-tier bands from 2004 didn’t quite capture. Honest and sober, the bands strong unity provides evidence against any corporate influences that usually devoid personality. Also unlike most ambient-indie-surf-rock bands, Young the Giant are alike fire, they have lasting power with creativity and flair, strength and sparkles. Oh and most of all, talent.
Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals) has an experimentally sandy, golden voice that ranges from smooth falsetto singing to aggressive infectious rasps that then dives right down to the low and seductive. It pairs well with the tender backing vocals, guitars and gentle drums that occasionally spray into your ears like a sea breeze.
Young the Giant are a bite into summer with beaches, cold beer and love, with confidence and a catch on your IPod.