Review:

on 2011-11-18 redraiderstw Said:

Young The Giant may not be a band you have heard of or maybe it is! Some people that were at the event had no clue as to who YTG was but were persuaded by friends to come check out the show as they had seem them before and were fans of their music. One person even told me that he didnt have a Facebook account, for personal reasons I guess, and had to create one just so he could get into the event. Who doesnt have a Facebook or Twitter these days? Cmon! Its not the nineties anymore people!

Formally known as The Jakes, this unique indie band from Irvine, California was formed in 2004 and signed with Roadrunner records in 2009 and has been gaining much attention and popularity over the past few months considering their first, self-titled album only dropped earlier last month. Besides making time to perform at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, YTG kicked off their album tour in September with Incubus and they also made their first appearance at the ACL Music Festival in Austin, TX to put on one heck of show from what we here; we were not fortunate enough to make it to ACL in time to catch their act but from the videos posted online it looks like they had no problem attracting a crowd with their sound as well as get them jumping and dancing to their hit single My Body.

Microsoft & Windows have teamed up with multiple artists besides YTG like Matt & Kim, The Drums, and MuteMath to play acoustic jam sessions at their Windows Phone launch events taking place around the country. For being the 2nd show Young The Giant did this week in Dallas, my second time to see the band this year, the turnout by fans was much higher than the first done Wednesday night at the same event hosting about 100 to 150 people at the most. One thing that was different than normal events like this was the way it was advertised, on Facebook, by having to RSVP and have a virtual ticket sent to your phone. Im not sure if this was one of the reasons for the low turnout on Wednesday or if it being a Windows event had something to do with it; lets face it, Microsoft doesnt have the best track record with making their customers/users happy with their products thanks to the sour taste of Windows Vista and all the problems it had when first released but thats another discussion.

After arriving to the event we were forced to wait in line like it was some sort of up-scale downtown night club with Dallas finest standing guard at all exits/entrances and checking IDs. Event workers were working the black velvet rope and clickers to keep the crowd from just running over each other for the free food and alcoholic beverages; it seemed if the diverse crowd of attendees was there for only the freebies and music performance by YTG. The main purpose of the night was the Windows phones that were on display, which were hardly touched or even looked at by anyone at the event. The main discussion of the room was trying to find out when Sameer and the band were going to start their performance; I personally had asked a dozen of waiters, waitresses, and Windows employees until I spoke with the main speaker for the event and was told the band did not want to comment as to when they were going to arrive but was promised that we wouldnt have to wait until last minute. My main concern was if I was going to be able to catch the entire set as I had parked in the only parking garage in Dallas that apparently closes at 10PM and locks the gate until the next morning; did not want to walk back to my apartment which was 10 miles on the other side of town.



The band finally took the stage around 9:15PM and played 6 acoustic versions of their songs from their current album: I Got, Apartment, Cough Syrup, Every Little Thing, Strings  Reprise, and My Body. This was one more song than they had played the previous night, with My Body being the addition and the first time they had played that song using only acoustics, as told by Sameer. There was even a moment during the song where the cord became unplugged from his mic and the crowd took over the lyrics as he fumbled gracefully to plug it back in, all why keeping his stride and beat of the tambourine; it was a moment of tragedy that turned into a chance for crowd participation which you could have even thought was planned the way he played it off.

Looking at the groups tour calendar on their website (www.youngthegiant.com), almost every show along their US tour has sold out all the pre-sale tickets and is expected to sell out many shows across the country including our very own Prophet Bar in Deep Ellum. Now if ever may be the best time to see YTG as they are quickly on the rise to stardom and have the energy, focus, and talent to make it to the top. Thats why they are my pick of the week and my first ever review for M.E. Dont forget to check out my YouTube page (www.youtube.com/redraiderstw) for more YTG videos as well as some footage from ACL, FFF6, and other local Dallas events.



Rating: 9/10

Review:

on 2010-11-23 kevin234 Said:

Young The Giant takes a small step into the Indie music scene with their self- titled debut. The album appears fun and energetic through the first listen but lacks the necessary play back value. There are only a few standout songs on an otherwise average track list.
These include the single My Body, a fun thriving melody that is the perfect addition to a car ride play list. With catchy lyrics and head nodding qualities it makes a perfect sample of hat Young The Giant has to offer. Cough Syrup makes for another quality tune on this self- titled record. After a somber yet chill intro it bursts into an energetic chorus that hooks listeners into all four minutes of the fun little number. My Body and Cough Syrup are undeniably two of the more complete song on the album but leave the listener wanting something a little more.
The percussion keeps every track upbeat while also tying the sometimes-scattered instrumentation together. The tambourine gently lifts the feel of every song to contrast the lead singers bass intensive vocals. Guitar work defines this band as a true stand- alone bright spot.
YTG has successful created an album that neither overwhelms nor impresses but is still fun. On the right track would describe this self-titled effort but in a competitive scene they have much to build on. Overall, they are a young band that is not far from being a giant in the scene. All puns intended.

Rating: 6/10