CD Review: Youth Group sparkles in American debut

By: Amanda Meyer

Posted: 3/8/07

03/08/07 - So when was the last time you heard of an awesome rock group straight from the Land Down Under? Probably never, but if you follow my advice and check out Youth Group's latest album, Casino Twilight Dogs, you'll be sure to fall in love with these boys from Sydney.

The indie rockers have been around since the late '90s, but they're just now starting to make a name for themselves here in the United States. Their big break in the states came when they covered Alphaville's classic "Forever Young" on The OC and then toured with Death Cab for Cutie. More recently, they opened for Coldplay during their tour of Australia.

"Forever Young," which is their best known single, is a great cover of an even better song. The track has taken the band platinum in its home turf. The group, unlike most bands these days, focuses on the vocals, and the sound is built around the lyrics.

The band's first single from Catching and Killing is one of the album's most interesting and dynamic songs. The band already had the title and the riffs, but no lyrics to go along with it. What followed was a drunken rant, which becomes increasingly obvious as the song goes on. The funny thing is, it works! It makes virtually no sense, but it works.

My favorite track on the CD, "Sicily," was written for sheer entertainment value by the band. It tells the story of a couple that wants to run away to Sicily and be together, living happily ever after. The lyrics are cute and the music is calming. It sounds more old-fashioned than anything, which is refreshing in today's music scene.

The band will start touring in the United States in March, making its way to Cambridge in June and Providence in July.

The band's sound has real potential here in the States. Sometimes they sound comfortable and old-fashioned in that way that makes you feel altogether nostalgic and happy, but at other times its sound is so new and innovative that you are captivated by what they have to say.

Youth Group's lyrics are always thoughtful, and these Aussie boys are not afraid to wear their emotions on their sleeves. "Let It Go" is a perfect example of this.

The track features lyrics that are so laid back and stoner-philosophical, boiling down to the idea of just letting it all go. Inspired by traveling on the road, the harmonies in the song come together perfectly. It's one of those songs that you can leave on repeat for hours and never grow tired of it.

"Start Tomorrow Today" is one of the more profound tracks on the album. It's about not procrastinating, something we can all relate to. The song features a string arrangement that complements the mood perfectly. I love it when bands use unique instruments on one or two tracks to diversify sound, and this is a perfect example of that.

Overall, Casino Twilight Dogs is great. I would absolutely recommend it to just about anyone. It's a sound that anybody can appreciate, and the band has a lot of potential to be as popular here as they are in Australia.