“Encompassing the 13-song compilation is the theme of recognizing and cooperating with obstacles — an appropriate motif for lead singer-songwriter Sameer Gadhia, who fought the sophomore slump arduously when writing his lyrics.” —Danielle Ohl
For fledgling indie rockers, the sophomore slump is a scary phenomenon. Even though it’s a well-known foe, it often takes the best bands by surprise. Coddled, carefully crafted second albums flop when thrust into the general public’s cruel, critical hands. Such is the case with California indie pop band Young the Giant — kind of.
The quintet’s sophomore edition, Mind Over Matter, is vastly different from its self-titled debut album because it has complex layers of synthetic wizardry. Young the Giant has transformed its sound from raw and simple alternative rock to glossy, shimmering stadium-ready production. Taken separately, each version offers something unique and pleasant to the musical mind, but comparatively, fans of Young the Giant’s emotive simplicity will be left wanting.
Original fan base aside, Young the Giant is a relatively new band, having dropped its first installment in 2010. Less than four years later, Mind Over Matter is a testament to the band’s evolution as well as the painstaking intricacy involved in producing a solid second album. From an objective standpoint, the new collection of songs is impressive.
Encompassing the 13-song compilation is the theme of recognizing and cooperating with obstacles — an appropriate motif for lead singer-songwriter Sameer Gadhia, who fought the sophomore slump arduously when writing his lyrics.
“Anagram,” a boppy, tambourine-tinted tune, immediately informs the listener this is not the same Young the Giant. Glossy strings play with Gadhia’s impressive falsetto, adding a layer of complex harmony. “Crystallized” features the same distorted synthy sound yet also introduces an electronic organ that buoys the lyrics.
“It’s About Time” is the first single off the album and a throwback to the rougher-hewn Young the Giant. The muscly track features far more powerful riffs, reminiscent of the pop power of “My Body.”
Unlike the band’s self-titled first album, Mind Over Matter explores multiple facets of indie rock. Songs “Mind Over Matter” and “Waves” veer into New Age psychedelic sounds, while the simple, touching “Firelight” evokes the tenderness of an acoustic performance. Young the Giant demonstrates its versatility while managing to link the varied tracks with all-encompassing motifs and Ghadia’s incredible vocal range.
The beauty of this recent release is its ability to let go of the past. Oftentimes, a first album, no matter how successful, can remain just that: the first album. It is a first attempt, not to be adjusted and retransmitted, but left alone to shine distinctly and separately from a band’s next creative work. Through Mind Over Matter, Young the Giant is not afraid to explore new sounds. Though old fans see a sophomore slump, those just discovering Young the Giant might see a new beginning.
