Young the Giant, 'Cough Syrup,' Brings Catchy Alt-Rock - Song Review

Young the Giant, ‘Cough Syrup,’ Brings Catchy Alt-Rock – Song Review

2011-11-15

Review by Anne Erickson

Young the Giant’s ‘Cough Syrup’ is sure to please post modern-rock fans

Indie rock quintet Young the Giant make atmospheric, psychedelic, dance-oriented alternative pop. The Irvine, Calif.-based, boys hit the big-time this year with their smash single, “My Body,” which hugged the top of the alternative rock radio chart for months. Now, Young the Giant are back with their follow-up track, “Cough Syrup,” and it’s currently No. 3 on the alternative rock radio chart.

Just because Young the Giant are part of the new, indie / alternative wave doesn’t mean they don’t know how to rock. Case in point: After a quiet, psychedelic intro, “Cough Syrup” — which comes off the band’s 2011 self-titled release — erupts into a rockin’ ditty, with plugged-in guitars and a strong but hooky sugary-sweet vibe along the lines of Foster the People of Kings of Leon.

Sameer Gadhia opens singing, “Life’s too short to even care at all oh / I’m losing my mind losing my mind losing control / These fishes in the sea they’re staring at me … A wet world longs for a beat of a drum.” As the chorus kicks in, there’s an undeniable feel-good flow about “Cough Syrup,” as the lines twist and turn: “If I could find a way to see this straight / I’d run away / To some fortune that I should have found by now,” the chorus continues.

While “Cough Syrup” maintains its edge, it’s a dreamier cut than “My Body,” echoing with warm melodies and a swelling, irresistible chorus. The song is sure to please many searching modern rock fans looking for something different from the standard post-grunge and alternative rock bands of the 2000s. A band that rocks, but doesn’t scream or whine, is certainly a positive for alternative-minded fans. here. (Courtesy photo: Roadrunner Records.)

Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.