Album Review: Young The Giant – Mind Over Matter
2 min read
Second album syndrome. An ailment that plagues many a musician, but not these giants of indie rock. The Californian quintet are back with their second album Mind Over Matter, and they’ve found their sound right where they left it.
For the uninitiated, Young The Giant released their debut eponymous album back in October 2010. The release showcased their youthful exuberance, a passionate album dripping of summery vibes. Prior to the record, initial success culminated in tours with the likes of Marina and The Diamonds and Neon Trees, as well as a few slots at the universal taste-making arts festival, South by Southwest. Since forming in high school in 2004, the group has undergone numerous personnel nips and tucks, but they appear to have found their comfort zone with the 5 dudes currently filling the soundscape.
For the latest offering, the band turned to Grammy nominated producer and alt-rock wizard Justin Meldal-Johnsen. Having walked the bass for the likes of Beck and Nine Inch Nails, as well as produced for The Naked and Famous and Crystal Fighters amongst many more, they found a fellow giant who could take their sound to the next level. What resulted is an expansion of their affinity for depth and progression through catchy guitar riffs and delightful vocal hooks. Standout tracks like It’s About Time, Crystallized and the title track exemplify the twangy guitars, dreamy synth and martial percussion, while Eros brings a healthy dose of sex appeal.
It’s still early days for this adolescent career, but Young The Giant have shown a maturity in sound and depth beyond their years. Throw on Mind Over Matter when you want to bust out to some punchy guitars and live out your fantasy of having a phenomenal vocal range.
