Wooo doggy! After signing with RoadRunner Records in 2009, Young The Giant (formerly The Jakes) have recently released their first full-length to rave reviews (including this one).
The twelve song, self-titled release is the follow-up to the band’s 2008 indie EP, Shake My Hand. If you’re familiar with these guys, you’ll find new versions of old favorites on the new release. Both Cough Syrup and Garands have been redone for the new album, and while the first versions were great, YTG and producer Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, The White Stripes, The Strokes) have brought new life to both tracks, somehow making them even more enjoyable.
The album’s first single, My Body, has already become a big hit with the kids, and is undeniably the star of the release. While I would consider this an indie rock album on all accounts, YTG kills it on My Body, and gives listeners a chance to really rock. You can download My Body for free, here.
YTG is no one trick pony. From the soaring melodies of the opening track, Apartment, to the ambient groove of Islands, every song on this album is infectious and dynamic enough to keep you listening over and over, again and again.
Last but not least, hidden at the end of the album, Guns Out gives lead singer, Sameer Gadhia, a chance to really show off his range and re-establish his prowess as leading man of the group. Probably my favorite song on the album and definitely worth the wait.
This is an absolutely great album; one of the best I’ve heard all year.
Key tracks: My Body, Guns Out, Your Side, Islands
You can listen to the album in its entirety, here.