YOUNG THE GIANT LIVE
October 21, 2016 ~ The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
IT’S ABOUT TIME that I wrote a review for Young The Giant’s latest performance in LA to showcase their new album on the Home of the Strange Tour. And it’s okay that my opening line was a reference to a song off their second album, not Home of the Strange, because I’ve got such a SILVERTONGUE. Not sure how my writing got so clever, I’m just gifted I guess. Just like the boys from Irvine in this fucking awesome band.
Can’t say how lucky I am to have received tickets to this show as a birthday gift from my wonderful girlfriend to see one of my favorite bands for the third time at one of my favorite venues, the beautiful Greek Theatre in LA. It was a self proclaimed homecoming for the guys in the band too who notified the crowd that their families were all in attendance as well, what a special night for everyone. Basically we’re all good friends now.
Ra Ra Riot opened up the night and they certainly got the job done. Their music was fun and catchy, and they got the crowd ready to get moving. Their vocalist, Wes Miles, was the anchor of the band and displayed an impressive range. Their songs aren’t quite as diverse as they could be and end up sounding a little too similar to each other. But they’re worth checking out if you haven’t heard any of their stuff already!
Photo by: Abby Gillardi
Young the Giant came onto the stage in true rocking fashion with their new track Jungle Youth. Our seats were located in section A right behind the standing pit, but we might as well have been in the pit because from that point on, there wasn’t a body in the crowd that wasn’t on their feet dancing the whole time.
They continued to shred through their now fairly large catalogue of material, craftily switching up the mood of the concert numerous times by including their slower songs as well as their more upbeat, dancing songs.
They covered almost all the songs off the new album as well as their classic hits like Cough Syrup, Apartment, and My Body. I definitely lost my voice singing along the whole time. The vocals on Cough Syrup were almost inaudible over the singing of the crowd. They also threw in a few lesser known Easter egg songs that I thoroughly enjoyed like Waves and Firelight.
I have to say, in my opinion, these guys are really one of the most balanced musical acts of our generation. Sameer Gadhia’s vocals are enchanting and severely underrated, the riffs and melodies are catchy but not generic radio crap. Their stage presence is impressive and they keep the energy of the crowd right where it needs to be.
The concert was an absolute success. I don't believe a single person in attendance left without feeling completely satisfied. They ended the show with not one, BUT TWO ENCORES. Talk about a strong finish.
If you want to know how I feel about the songs of the new album, check out our review of Home of the Strange. If you ever get a chance to see these guys live, I highly recommend you take advantage of it and see them, you won't regret it.
9.8/10
For all things YTG check out their website y'all.
Header Photo by: Nan Palmero
