New Music this Week: Young the Giant Mirror Master Album Review

October 14, 2018 Kaz

Mirror Master is Young the Giant’s 4th studio album release. With twelve tracks the indie rock band displayed multiple styles and created an easy flow and groove listening experience.

Released: Friday, October 12, 2018

Band Members

Sameer Gadhia – lead vocals, percussion, keyboards, guitar
Jacob Tilley – guitar, synthesizer, mellotron
Eric Cannata – guitar, vocals, keyboards
Payam Doostzadeh – bass guitar, synthesizer, vocals
François Comtois – drums, percussion, vocals

Tracklist

1. “Superposition” – 3:50
2. “Simplify” – 3:32
3. “Call Me Back” – 3:57
4. “Heat of the Summer” – 3:31
5. “Oblivion” – 3:48
6. “Dark Shade of Blue” – 2:13
7. “Brother’s Keeper” – 4:10
8. “Glory” – 3:18
9. “Tight Rope” – 3:58
10. “Panoramic Girl” – 4:02
11. “You + I” – 4:14
12. “Mirror Master” – 4:09

A Deep Dive

The first single “Superposition” music video was initially released leading up to this album release. It definitely gave fans strong visuals and a good representation of what this album is all about; neon, psychedelic, technicolour feel. And I love this because even though each person can have their own interpretation of a song/album, it gives a great perspective on what the band was going for.

The hook elevates the song, great soundbite with great backing harmonies in the chorus. I appreciate the creative concept, the video effects definitely fit the vibe of the song. As a bassist, I first gravitate towards the bass sounds. The notes weren’t overly complicated in its arrangement, but it balances this song quite well along with the ukulele?

“Simplify” as a track feels like an early 2000s vibe. Gravitated more towards the instrumental sounds, especially the drums that balance the song.

The music video for “Call Me Back” could be the second best to the first single with the use of colour and visual effects. Lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia really shines with his harmonies here. What I also like about this song is that the instrumentation is mostly heavy on the drums and bass. The rhythm initially reminded me of the song “Teardrop” by Massive Attack. This with Gahia’s vocals really makes it one of the standout tracks.

The 4th track “Heat of the Summer” is fire (no pun intended). When the chorus hits it just gives this funky groove that I love. The riff, the melody, from electric sounds to the bass; this may potentially be my favourite song off the album. I must say great production on this song. The most relatable lyrics for me included:

“Feels like it’s been forever since I had my shit together. I just do what I wanna, in the heat of the summer.”

This was the most replayed song from the album for me. The lyrics from this song also describes the album perfectly “see in technicolour.” Trying to figure out your life? This song may be for you.

“Oblivion” gave a more rock-centered feel. “Dark Side of Blue” gave a slower paced, reflective vibe to it. This song hits all the emotions. This is the shortest song with two minutes. Could this song be considered an interlude maybe?

“Brother’s Keeper” is a more mellow song with a message. Now the song “Glory” intrigued me. This was more along the lines of the instrumentals and the structure of the chorus into the bridge. With layers to the harmonies, I got to acknowledge the bass and orchestral feel.

“Tightrope” came through very pop-centered as a track. Also, did I sense a Reggae vibe towards the very end of this song? That slower tempo initially gave me Bob Marley’s “Exodus” feel. Or was that just me? Listen to this song at the 3:23 mark and listen to “Exodus” and someone let me know if they also get that vibe too. Or we can just check in with the band if that is what they were going for. Either way that was a nice little surprise to hear, like when you get to the center of the lollipop type of feel.

The intro to “Panoramic Girl” sounds like a movie soundtrack, very ethereal in its harmonies. The second to last track “You + I” is pop in its appeal, which is actually my only least favourite track on this album.

And finally, for the last song on this album “Mirror Master” was a great way to round off this music collection. What I will say about this track is that the feel is very positive, motivational. I visualize a music video for this song to be high energy, face paced showcasing a group of friends enjoying life and living it to the fullest. They could be skating, riding mountain bikes, performing live music to an energized crowd, you know the fuzion pursuit way of life. This video could basically be Y.O.L.O (you only live once) in full effect. Hey Young the Giant, hopefully, you’ll consider this song to be your next single.