Young the Giant possesses songwriting wisdom and craft far beyond that of a band whose oldest member is only 22.
In just a few short years, this California quintet has garnered more indie-rock cred and mainstream clout than most players amass in an entire career. The band changed its name from the Jakes in 2009, the same year the outfit won an online contest to open for Kings of Leon in Chicago, which did not hurt its prospective popularity at all. Meanwhile, music snobs and pop fans alike praised the fivesome's 2010 self-titled debut, not to mention sneaky critical hits "My Body" and "Cough Syrup."
Mixed with Sameer Gadhia's soulful lounge-singer croon, Young the Giant's quirky indie-rock rhythms create moving and poignant ballads with just a hint of danceability. So it certainly seems this group of very young guys is set to have a long, successful career — as long as the allure of going back to college doesn't get in the way.