Los Angeles based Indie rockers Young The Giant bursted onto the Alternative/Indie scene in 2010 with their self-titled, debut album. Since then, Young The Giant have produced symphonic and thought-provoking hits that made them a household name.
Now, the band continues their musical journey and reflective look on the stories we tell ourselves with Mirror Master, which was released October 12th via Elektra Records.
Since forming in 2004, band members Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley, Eric Cannata, Payam Doostzadeh, and Francios Comtois have charted U.S. Alternative and Rock boards and sold out shows worldwide.
Hits off the first record “My Body” and “Cough Syrup” have gone Platinum since their debut. Listeners fell in love with sophomore album Mind Over Matter, and the band gained even more attention with their rambunctious record Home Of The Stranger. The young quartet have also remained veterans to festivals such as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza.
Mirror Master‘s 45-minute playlist is a mix of 12 meditative and adventurous tracks displaying the road to self-discovery for Young the Giant. Lead single “Simplify”carries the same enthusiastic and carefree aura that flows consistently throughout the record. Despite being edge and vocal from the start, the Alternative Rock radio-friendly hit spews vibes of U2 and long summer nights. Second single and first track on the album “Superposition” gave fans insight on what was to come, many light tones with a hint of folksy and a pinch of melancholy.
Many titles like “Heat Of The Summer” tell a story while vibrantly expressing thoughts of anxiety, depression, and overall self-reflection. The gentle jam is mesmerizing in its relativity to “Mind Over Matter.” Bass heavy, the track is perfect for a summer hit, both lyrically honest and fun in essence. “Tightrope” also carries these same characteristics while striking a dancing bone and fever in the listener. Funky cymbal taps drive the electric, eccentric piece while painting a picture of mental instability. “I went to war for piece of mind” is a lyric that sticks out as the track expresses escaping from all tightrope situations and wanting to lose current grasp of reality.
For a moment, the listener will almost lose their sense of self while listening to “Darkest Shade of Blue.” Sweet guitar in its purest form calms the listener before the feeling of slowly sinking to the depths of the ocean floor motion in and out. This record is Young The Giant in their most relaxing state, as tracks like “You + I” and “Call Me Back” fall in a slightly somber, gloomy tone like a cold, dreary and rainy fall afternoon. The record is simple musically while still creating thought-provoking pieces.
The band reminds listeners that the world is ours to take, and end with one last high kick for the title track “Mirror Master.” Featuring tambourine and some airy light synth/keys, Young The Giant pieces experiences and lessons throughout life and molds them into beautiful songs that raise self-awareness and promote growth.
Despite the shift in style for Mirror Master, fans can appreciate the vulnerability of what was created. The delicate tones expose a softer and overall mellow side that allows the listener to relax and reflect on their own self.
There ja no denying it is a drastic turn from 2016’s political release Home of The Strange, and fans of that record may find Mirror Master too calm and mushy. However, sometimes to break down the chaos and take a more simple approach can do wonders.
Overall, Young The Giant sport some youthful, summertime-like jams and gave listeners a piece of themselves most artists would try to keep hidden. For these reasons, CrypticRock gives Mirror Master 4 out of 5 stars.
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