Photos of Young the Giant at Wellmonth Theater in Montclair, NJ on October 24th, 2015
Photos of Young the Giant at 2014 Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL
Photos of Young the Giant 2014 KJEE Summer Round-Up at Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, CA
Photos of Young the Giant at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, NY on February 28th, 2014
Photos of Young the Giant at Studio at Webster Hall in New York, NY on January 13th, 2014
Photos of Young the Giant at 2013 Boston Calling Music Festival in Boston, MA
Photos of Young the Giant at 2012 Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, PQ, Canada
QRO’s review of Young the Giant at Old National Centre in Indianapolis, IN on July 10th, 2012
Photos of Young the Giant at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA on May 19th, 2012
Photos of Young the Giant at People’s Court in Des Moines, IA on March 29th, 2012
Photos of Young the Giant at Stubb’s in Austin, TX on March 25th, 2012
Like once tour mates Grouplove (QRO photos from that tour), Young the Giant rose on the back of a few choice singles, in “Cough Syrup” and “Apartment”, though their indie-rock hewed more emotional. Now following up their self-titled debut with Mind over Matter, the group introduces a more electro/disco feel that takes away some of that emotional power.
Mind starts very well (after sub-minute intro “Slow Dive”) with “Anagram”, a bright anthem that fun. (QRO live review) only wish they could do. However, there’s a bit too much of that brightness on Mind, as other tracks like “Crystalized and “Mind over Matter” don’t hold up as well. Meanwhile, there’s this nu-disco element in songs such as closer “Paralysis” that might be very trendy, but if the world didn’t need Arcade Fire going dance on Rephlektor (QRO review), it doesn’t need Young the Giant to, even if they do a fine job. The group also isn’t as wise with the singles: instead of “Anagram”, the better electro “Teachers”, or the effective and moving “Waves”, it’s been “Crystalized” and the trying-to-be-tough “It’s About Time”.
Young the Giant got very far in a very short time (also like Grouplove, who virtually followed the Giant’s path), but they didn’t want to rest on their laurels and repeat themselves. That’s given them some misses and well as hits, but they can still hit it.
Young the Giant – Anagram
