Having been on the Australian music scene for ten years, Youth Group singer/songwriter Toby Martin could be forgiven for being a cynic. Despite three albums of heartfelt indie-pop, it was a cover of Alphaville’s 'Forever Young' in 2006 that finally broke the band into the mainstream consciousness and made them a household name for watchers of teen drama the O.C.
In many ways, the band were hamstrung by this song, its omnipresence on radio rendered their back catalogue relatively insignificance at concerts. The absence of any discernible follow-up ‘hit’ disappointing the masses combined with the inevitable backlash of older fans, resulted in third album 'Casino Twilight Dogs' (2007) being largely ignored. The band were later relegated to dwelling with Australia’s up and comers in the nation’s fringe venues.
Upon first listen to the band’s fourth album, 'The Night Is Ours', it’s clear that the band is refusing to submit to the demands of others. Not only is there once again no FM-oriented hit song, but the band moves further away from the structured melancholia of 'Skeleton Jar' (2005) into a more abstract and challenging art-damaged pop. The band wrap these ten songs around the ominous rumblings of machinery and distant noise, trapping the listener in an experience akin to being in a factory. The heightened sense of drama only serves to make this their most memorable album.
Opening track, 'Good Time' introduces the album intimately. “I had myself a good time and now I don’t feel like myself”, confides Martin, his voice immediately more expressive than anything he’s been involved with before. His voice is the focus of this track and album-closer 'What Is A Life?', with the rest of the band contributing only subtle backing. Meanwhile, 'Dying at Your Own Party' and 'Friedrichstrasse' push new boundaries lyrically. The former capturing the protagonist’s feeling of loneliness amongst a crowd and the latter detailing the feelings associated with a move to a new city. The listener is catapulted into Martin’s headspace, his wordplay more inclusive than ever before.
Fortunately, the band’s sense of melody remains strong throughout. Even the most challenging ballads are structured compellingly. Furthermore, when the band decides to flex their muscles, they deliver more powerfully than they have before, moving forward significantly from their back catalogue. 'One for Another' and 'Two Sides' are ambitious, intelligent pop songs. The inclusion of synths for the first time is a welcome addition, highlighting the band’s tight arrangements.
'The Night is Ours' probably won’t win Youth Group many new fans, but this is their most fully-realised album to date. It is a genuine artistic achievement.
--- Contributed by Benjamin F
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