YOUNG THE GIANT - "MIND OVER MATTER"

Artist: Young The Giant

Album: Mind Over Matter

Label: Fueled By Ramen

Release Date: January 21^st, 2014

Review by: Sean Kayden

Young The Giant’s second album “Mind Over Matter” has the band evolving from their previous melodic instrumental layered resonance. With the sophomore release coming out three years after their self-titled album, Young The Giant went with a louder, more rock driven record. They throw in a little electronics into the mix as well. Sometimes it can be a distraction to Sameer Gadhia’s beautiful vocals, but perhaps this approach was necessary to differentiate from their first album.  The first half of the record is both high energy and explosive. When the band decides to slow down the tempo, it doesn’t do them any favors. While the track, “Fireflight” is reminiscent of something off their first album, it feels mistakenly out of place here. However, despite any mishaps, most of the record is thoroughly enjoyable. “Mind Over Matter” is an admirable effort, but the transformation from album one to two wasn’t as compelling as I would have liked it to be.

Opening track, “Anagram” wanders into danceable terrain. With a catchy beat and chorus, the band starts off things on the right foot. “It’s About Time,” the band’s first single is a gritty rock tune. They try new things with this one, but ultimately it’s rather uninspiring. It’s simply too generic to be a standout track. I can see why it’s radio friendly because it sounds like too many other bands put together. Luckily, we’re saved by the alluring “Crystallized.” Easily the best song here, it’s both an empowering and a game-changing track for a band known for pleasant, easy going songs. The band’s previous laidback tunes really didn’t distinguish them from the indie rock bunch. The title track, “Mind Over Matter,” is another similar gem. It packs an emotional strike and Gadhia’s vocals are fully on display. The following track, “Daydreamer” doesn’t disappoint. It’s undeniably memorable and just simply pulls you in every time. Replay value at full force with this stunning track. By track seven, the record slows down and figuratively takes one out of the party into their own dark lonely room. I’m all for the emotional whimpers, but not when you’re clearly having such a good time through the first five or six tracks.

Things pick up momentum with “In My Home,” “Eros,” and “Teachers.” “Waves” is so promising until it comes into the final ninety seconds or so. Too many layers added to the song and it’s literally just stripped away from all the greatness it had going for it. Young The Giant is a band I can’t figure out. They have some really superb tracks, but when they fail it’s nearly disastrous. I like the effort with “Mind Over Matter” in an overall sense. The band has some of the most infectious choruses in any album I’ve heard in quite some time. This sophomore endeavor definitely improves upon their eponymous first album. Despite some mishaps along the way, “Mind Over Matter” is a solid entry in the ever so crowded indie rock arena. But like most solid entries in this spectrum, it’ll be forgotten by summer time.

Grade: 7.3 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Crystallized, ”Mind Over Matter,” “Daydreamer,” “Teachers”