Project Description

GANG OF YOUTHS

‘Go Farther in Lightness’

(Album Review)

Reviewer – Aaron Christensen

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Gang Of Youths

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“Go Farther In Lightness is my healing record. It’s my answer to the question: ‘what do I say now, after writing the hour-long record about cancer?'” – David Le’aupepe

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Sydney-formed, now London-based alt-rock outfit Gang of Youths released their critically-acclaimed debut album The Positions on April 17, 2015. The following national tours, festival slots, international shows and 2016 EP release, Let Me Be Clear, ensured that one of Australia’s most consistently creative and emotive bands had fans wanting more. Anticipation and expectation were high for the second album, and on August 18 fans were granted their wish. Gang of Youths released their sophomore album ‘Go Farther in Lightness’ to a five-star rating from Rolling Stone and rave reviews. Needless to say, from the delicate piano opening and the gentle crooning of singer and lyricist, David Le’aupepe, to the change of pace reminiscent of Magnolia, Gang of Youths’ signature cathartic explosion in the first track Fear and Trembling left me eager for the rest of the album.

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Gang Of Youths

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Three singles were released in albums lead-up, What Can I Do If the Fire Goes Out?, Atlas Drowned and The Deepest of Sighs, the Frankest of Shadows. All three songs show Le’aupepe’s ability to pen words so personal and philosophic, yet universally relatable that you can’t help but feel the same cathartic moments, deep sorrows and proud triumphs the lyrics describe.

The first single What Can I Do If the Fire Goes Out? sees Le’aupepe wrestling with his Christian faith, a significant thing in his life, as he touched on in their debut album and his interview with SBS Viceland’s Marc Fennell. What Can I Do If the Fire Goes Out is an anthemic piece, with a pounding opening and some of the tastiest guitar work I’ve heard all year, not to mention the fast fills and the wild drumming. Atlas Drowned sees Le’aupepe get philosophical and political, with him questioning ‘the system,’ politicians and hive-mind politics.

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Gang Of Youths

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Through the album are three beautifully interwoven interludes; L’imaginaire, Le Symbolique and Le Reel, songs that blend with the album and serve to introduce the tone and mood of the upcoming track. This creates a refined sound, and contributes to the flow, tone and atmosphere of the album.

The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows is Le’aupepe’s epiphany from a moment of self-hate; “I have an opportunity to make my own meaning.” The lyrics see him deal with the most existential issues; Why are we here? What’s our purpose? But from that rose, in your humble writer’s opinion, the best song on the album. It has everything that makes Gang of Youths one  of Australia’s true musical gems, from the slower opening of gentle chords, to the rush of joy with a beat that builds with Dave’s voice, from quiet and deep to loud, boisterous and gravelly. Overall, The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows, is a song that exudes positivity and encourages the power of the individual.

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Gang Of Youths

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Go Farther in Lightness is much like The Positions, as both albums draw from Le’aupepe’s own experiences, are exquisitely written and relatable. However, the new album feels like Gang of Youths have further refined their unique sound. Go Farther in Lightness is a much longer, and much more ambitious album, clocking in at almost 80 minutes. Sometimes length can detract from the impact of an album and the songs on it, but long, poetic anthems are Gang of Youths’ specialty and only adds to the sincerity and lustre of the album.

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VERDICT:

Gang of Youths‘ sophomore release is one that David Le’aupepe has described as his ‘healing album,’ and upon listening through the record you understand. The album shows Le’aupepe even more vulnerable than on The Positions, an album written about his long-term relationship with a woman diagnosed with stage four cancer, the eventual breakup, and events immediately after that. Go Farther In Lightness feels as if Le’aupepe has come to terms with it all and is embracing his new life – it feels like his healing record. It is the band at their best (so far) and is an emotive, beautiful and intelligently crafted album from one of Australia’s most empowering, creative and talented bands.

5 Stars

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Gang Of Youths

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Gang of Youths

are touring nationally to celebrate the release of their second album,

“Go Farther In Lightness”

Tickets available through Live Nation

Thursday, 31st August – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Friday, 1st September – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Saturday, 2nd September – Snowtunes, Jindabyne

Wednesday, 6th September – Festival Hall, Melbourne (All Ages)

Friday, 8th September – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (All Ages)

Wednesday, 13th September – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (All Ages)

Friday, 15th September – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages)

Saturday, 16th September – Metropolis, Fremantle

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Follow Gang of Youths

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AMNPLIFY – DB