By Emma Lautanen
Contributing Writer
The band may be young, but its music surely will not be getting old any time soon. With a fresh tour to complement its second album, the alternative juggernaut Young the Giant has been gaining momentum, and deservedly so, from its live presence in the “Mind Over Matter” tour.
Each musician adds to the band’s live performance in his own way. Whether lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia is singing falsetto in the softly-toned song, “Firelight,” or guitarist Jacob Tilley is tearing through riffs in the almost-rock ballad, “It’s About Time,” every member of the group pulls its weight; Young the Giant’s varied setlist, with flawless vocal and instrumental execution, make the tour unforgettable.
Young the Giant has been sporadically touring since its inception. The group spent 2010 touring with Minus the Bear and Steel Train while it was working on its debut album. Young the Giant began its first solo tour in February 2012 for its self-titiled studio album and is now headlining for the “Mind Over Matter” tour, which took off in February.
The group opened with “Slow Dive.” The crooning, melodic track unintelligibly melded into “Anagram.” Although the show began with a mellow crescendo, it ended with a bang, the ultimate crowd pleaser and old hit from the band’s first studio album, “My Body.” The setlist was a perfect mix of old and new.
Another notable part of the performance was Gadhia’s vocals. His vocal range is astounding on recorded tracks and is even more impressive live. In tracks like “My Body,” which would pose a challenge to any talented artist, Gadhia does not fall flat or sharp for a single note. His ranging vocals and smooth, rich voice made the live musical experience that much better.
Other members proved their talent, too. Guitarists Tilley and Eric Cannata displayed their skills acoustically, which vary from slower, elongated melodies to fast-paced notes. Payam Dootszdeh plucked perfectly-blended bass lines along to “Waves,” while Francois Comtois kept an impressive beat on the drums during the upbeat track, “In My Home.” Each member added its own flarew, which made the concert a rare gem that showed what performing really means.
Overall, the “Mind Over Matter” tour is a testament to the ability of the group, both in terms of the raw talent and artistic choices, like its remarkable setlist.
The group will continue its performance on the east coast with tickets sold from $30 to $50.
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