Young The Giant
Mind Over Matter
(Fueled By Ramen)

Young The Giant exploded onto the radar with their debut release Young The Giant, featuring the hit, “Cough Syrup.” Their follow-up, Mind Over Matter, released on Fueled By Ramen, strives to establish the group as a solid indie rock act. Unfortunately, it falls flat.

Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen, who has worked with M83 and Paramore, Mind Over Matter skates by on an even tone and tempo. The entire album played by without a single moment grabbing my attention. The only song that slightly deviates from the peppy sound is the single, “Its About Time,” which takes on a much more aggressive delivery, but isn’t fully convincing of its intent.

Sameer Gadhia, lead vocalist for the group, has incredible range coupled with a soothing tonality. His melodic lines, however, fail to flourish because the music is persistently overpowering. The arrangements are densely packed and over-produced, incorporating synthesized string motifs and guitar riffs that seem to not fully develop.

The record packages perfectly designed pop songs as indie rock, and did not meet my expectations. Young The Giant sounds as if they are still searching for their defining characteristic as artists, resulting in an album that is catchy, but not memorable.