Young the Giant - Self Titled Album Review

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/YoungtheGiant?feature=watch





Young the Giant (May 2nd 2011)

6/10

Since Young the Giant changed their name from 'The Jakes' in 2009, and supporting the likes of Marina and The Diamonds and Kings of Leon, they've been on an upward curve with their first single, 'My Body' going in at number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Chart in 2011.

The first track on this album, 'Apartment', begins with a lighthearted but slightly bland electric guitar riff, however the vocals (Sameer Gadhia) make up for it and keep you interested as a listener, as the summery sounding melody makes it easy listening (and would make good background music for a BBQ!)

The hints of rock prominently come into this album on the track 'My Body', with the thumping drum rhythm provided (François Comtois) and the guitar becoming much heavier and juicier by the powerful chorus, making a good soundtrack for rebellious teenagers.

Although I was in love with their sound when first hearing the soft and jazzy guitar chords from 'I Got' acoustically on the Open Sessions, I can see how someone could find this album lacking a certain spark as bands with similar sound like Coldplay are known for having unique aspects. I'm not suggesting they should have a completely original and new sound, but just something to make it a little more interesting once you have gotten to the 6th or 7th song.

Overall, this album is a good easy listener, with catchy chorus' and conventional Indie clean electric guitar, but it may become colourless to someone looking for an Indie Rock band with something captivating. 

Hannah Jolley

Album info

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Release date: May 2nd 2011 (UK)

Genre: Indie rock

Label: Roadrunner

Mesita - 'Here's to Nowhere EP'

Mesita: 'Here's to Nowhere' (March 2011)

You know one of those albums where you just love every single track? Whether it be the catchy chorus', guitar riffs or funky bass lines, there's always got to be that hook to make you love an album. 

This is one of those albums. 

The first track, "A Million Shades of Sky" opens the album with a feel good and carefree vibe. The clean electric guitar riff over the gentle shaker and shuffle drum rhythm makes the perfect music for a drive along country lanes on a sunny day with the breeze blowing through your hair. Even the artwork reminds me of the sky on a summer's day with the bright blue colour scheme. 

The soft tones of James Cooley's vocals run like honey with the gentle strumming of guitars, mandolins and runs of electric piano phrases. Its the kind of music you can really get lost into as each song progresses. 

I'm personally a fan of music which has repetitions and a build up of other layers of sound going on. Each time you listen to this album, you can notice and discover different parts more and more which makes it really interesting. I would recommend listening to 'Somewhere Else' as a first introduction to Mesita, it has a clean and upbeat electric guitar which reflects the overall summery/positive feel to the album. 

The only negative thing I would say is that some of the songs can become a bit of a blur as they are all quite similar in structure and sound. The repetition of drum beats and guitar strumming patterns don't become annoying as it gives a definitive style to the artist, but for some people's music taste they prefer variation and so might feel like the songs are a little boring after the first couple of tracks.

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Hannah Jolley