Young the Giant? Don’t you mean The Young Giant? Nope. It doesn’t make any sense nor does it have some hidden deeper meaning, but that is the name of a young California-based quintet that’s on fire. And to tell you the truth, they could be called Hot Garbage on a Sunday Morning and I would still love their new self-titled LP.

I envisioned some sort of modern day Beach Boys when I first heard these guys. Visions of blonde hair, beach parties and deck shoes, but this band’s cultural mosaic of Indian, Persian, British and French-Canadian is far from Brian Wilson and crew. Even though the image may not fit, these guys stay true to their California roots with their surf-pop rock ‘n’ roll style and tracks that were recorded in a beach house. They only range in age from 20-22 yrs old, but don’t let their young age fool you. They have been playing the Orange County circuit since they were 16 and it has paid off on their new LP, with a sound that is much more polished than most debut acts.

The stand-out hit “My Body”, was featured on Tuned In (the Toe Jam Mondays Mix Tape) because once that single leaked, I was hooked. I waited patiently for the LP to drop, hoping it would live up “My Body”, and it did. Singer Sameer Gadhia’s voice is effortless, intense in all the right spots, and complimented by the band’s pounding drums and catchy guitar. The album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli, who has worked with The White Stripes and My Morning Jacket, and has a good range of songs from danceable to chill and everything in between.

Young the Giant’s self-titled debut is available on Canadian iTunes October 25th, but you can pre-order it now for 10 bucks. They just finished touring the U.S opening for The Futureheads, but hopefully by 2011 I’ll be writing about their headlining tour that includes some Canadian stops.

What does the opinion poll have to say about this band? Anyone out there heard of Young the Giant, or better yet, seen them live? I’d love to hear about it.

My Body – Young the Giant
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/02-My-Body-1.mp3|titles=My Body – Young the Giant]

Cough Syrup – Young the Giant
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/04-Cough-Syrup-1.mp3|titles=Cough Syrup – Young the Giant]

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.