Best of CBR Music with Vince Leigh
HYG HOPELESS YOUTH GROUP
In the world of contemporary prog rock, HYG expertly navigates the interplay of shadow and light with a sophisticated, deft touch. Emerging from a year of turbulence, the band has crafted a sound that resonates with introspection and rebellion.
Hopeless Youth Group was meticulously recorded in the ethereal landscapes of the Blue Mountains, a fitting backdrop for the sonic journey that lies within. The album opens with Awareness, a nine-minute odyssey encapsulating the band’s prowess, weaving brooding soundscapes with controlled chaos. The track unfurls with a hallucinatory ambience, punctuated by mellotron musings and intensified guitar quarter notes, setting a meditative yet dynamic tone that lingers throughout the album.
Tunnel Vision shifts gears with its upbeat groove and immediate vocal presence. The song’s rock-focused energy is complemented by a filtered vocal effect that adds a moody layer, culminating in a musical climax marked by strategic accents and key riffs.
Happy introduces a measured pulse, a scattered bass part and a roaming vocal leading into an expansive instrumental foray. The interplay of vocals and instruments is a testament to the band’s ability to balance restraint with exploratory zeal, keeping the audience keen.
Waves showcase HYG’s versatility. Drums and synths create a hovering, cyclic heartbeat interspersed with clean guitar parts and occasional drum fills. The track’s dynamic shifts from jazz-inflected passages to dramatic rock crescendos, exemplifying the band’s engaging prog stylings.
What You’ve Found, the album’s final single, features a soothing vocal hook set against a solid bass riff and drum groove. The repetitious nature is enhanced by guitar chord flourishes and background vocals, building to a half-time embellishment that offers a satisfying twist.
Fear of Death begins with a solid rhythm section and gradually morphs into an avant-garde rock adventure. The indie aesthetic is confirmed as the band adds touches that push the track into new experimental territories.
Tu Vas Quand introduces a definable vocal melody supported by guitar stabs and a turn-around drum feel. The chorus stands out amid spacey synths and low-end buzzes, adding to the track’s otherworldly vibe.
Finally, we have Geneva, which closes the album with a more intimate vocal approach and evolves into an energy-laden track. The vulnerability of the vocal performance merges seamlessly into an extended musical refrain, providing a compelling finale to the album.
HYG’s debut album crackles with energy, delivering a blend of ethereal soundscapes and relentless, beat-driven experimental rock that is nothing short of invigorating.
Hopeless Youth Group is out on Aug 7 – Grab your pre-order of the album via Bandcamp!
AND catch the album tour (also a farewell tour sad face) at Gang Gang, with Depressed Sexy, on Sat Aug 31. Tickets via Humanitix.
