10.21.2010

Young the Giant

Digging For Days Reviews...
Young the Giant by Young the Giant


Already inducted into the DFD Hall of Fame (yeah we've got one...um...it just started), Young the Giant (formerly The Jakes) are set to deliver their proper self-titled debut album digitally on October 26th. And deliver do they ever. Giant is one of the best terms to describe these California guys' sound. They have a big sound which is accented by lead singer's Sameer Gadhia's big voice. He soars on the rollicking, lively My Body and brings it down to a simmer on Islands.

Young the Giant are steeped in Californian, laid-back rock. They create such an atmosphere with each and every song. They aren't going for the nose-bleeds every time but they make up for it genuine pop/rock greatness. Hooks abound at every turn and especially on their most famous track Cough Syrup. Garands is filled with soaring vocals that practically beg to be blared from a car stereo at sunset. Never too heavy or too light, these guys are, to quote Goldilocks, "Just right." They have built quite a mold for themselves, one I'm not quite sure has been cast before. Young the Giant inhabit a soulful place where the songs are at the forefront. Melodies swoon in and out with dream like guitars and pounding, piercing drums. 

Not every song is a winner though, St. Walker at times is a bit aimless. It's just not as strong as the rest. Same goes for album closer Guns Out. On this track, the hooks just don't spill out as easily as the others. It gets weighed down by its own breeziness. Young the Giant though have put together quite a strong outfit of material here that will bring that summery feel we'll all need by winter's end. A-

Young the Giant- Myspace
My Body-

10.15.2010

Get Back Loretta


Get Back Loretta
San Diego's Get Back Loretta is pop music at its best-smart, catchy, edgy. Their songs are filled with hooks, big melodies, and great lyrics. After a few listens I'm definitely high on these guys. Their new EP Where Did You Go? is anchored by excellent track Breaking Down. Often channeling Muse at times on this song, Steven Bradford delivers lines like waves crashing upon the shore. 

Bradford has such a bombastic quality to his voice, bringing to mind Cold War Kids lead singer Nathan Willett. GBL is in my wheelhouse because they deliver the type of rock I crave- highly melodic and catchy as hell.




Get Back Loretta- Myspace
Breaking Down (Acoustic)-

10.08.2010

Justin Jones

Justin Jones
Rough around the edges, blues fueled, raw energy. Just some of the ways to describe Justin Jones. His new release Little Fox EP, is a breath of fresh air in the overproduced shine of today's music. With just enough ragged-ness in his voice to make you want to keep listening, Jones keeps his brand of country-tinged rock rolling. On the harmonica laden opening track Little Fox.

 It's a highlight on the album but it's the stark track The Gutter with its gut-wrenching lyrics and simple guitar chords that knocks you down.  (I found a memory in the gutter/put it in my belly/ it fed me for weeks). Jones' honesty in his songs is almost a little too hard to listen to. His vocals sound like he is on the brink of ripping open his chest. A great find that has gotten me out of a dry spell. 

Justin Jones- Myspace
The Gutter-