Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs CD - Import

Originally issued in 2006, this Youth Group outing finally saw the light of day in the U.S. on the lauded Anti label in early '07, albeit with a slightly altered track listing. With its sterling production, soaring melodies, and guitar-fueled edge, CASINO TWILIGHT DOGS showcases the Australian rock band at its best, whether easing into the plaintive, Grant Lee Buffalo-like "On a String" or offering up an expansive reworking of Alphaville's synth-pop hit, "Forever Young." While the ensemble, fronted by vocalist/guitarist Toby Martin, has garnered comparisons to Coldplay, the dynamic yet consistent CASINO proves that Youth Group can stand on its own merits.

The Youth Group have been on quite a ride, two years ago they were total unknowns in the US, but in quick succession they inked an American deal in late 2004, released Skeleton Jar, toured the States twice, and placed two of their songs -- "Shadowland" from Jar, and the specially recorded "Forever Young" on The O.C.. That latter number, a cover of Alphaville's international hit, acts as a taster for Casino Twilight Dogs, the band's third (second in the U.S.) album, and their most accomplished yet. The Youth Group underwent yet another lineup shift between this set and their last, but if anything, it's only made them stronger. Producer Wayne Connolly, who did an excellent job on Jar, outdoes himself here, creating an album that shimmers and shines, sparkles and glows. The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds was an obvious inspiration, and one the band borrowed, too, especially for "On a String," but there's plenty of glamour and elegance shot through the set as well. On "Sorry" the guitars are positively iridescent, on "Dead Zoo" they glow, and on the surging "Under the Underpass" they shine and pulse, just a bit blurred to bring out the song's epic quality. They reverberate on "Daisy Chains," as Connolly and the band slowly swell the sound, until it finally bursts forth in full majesty. But for all their luminosity, the Youth Group are capable of tougher stylings, as they prove on the more aggressive "Catch and Kill." In contrast, the haunting "Sicily" transmutes the sun-dappled Mediterranean into song. Of course, the glorious music is only half the band's appeal, of equal import are their emotive lyrics and Toby Martin's sweet, strong deliveries. The themes range from the sarcastic ("Sorry") to the serious ("The Destruction of Laurel Canyon"), written about the 2005 L.A. mud slides, and "TJ," a pensive number about the real life tragedy of a young boy who met his death while being chased by police. From the savage -- "Catch and Kill" -- to the savoir faire -- the ode to idleness "Start Today Tomorrow" -- Youth Group's poignant and thought-provoking lyrics and storytelling style have pushed the group into the emo bag, but with their incandescent music, they're far too glittering to be left with that label for long. [The Australian release sports a different track order than the American CD.] ~ Jo-Ann Greene

With 'Forever Young' still in the Top 10 (making it over four months), a sold out national tour with Coldplay, followed by their own national tour in August - the band's profile is at an all time high and has laid the ground for what is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, 'Casino Twilight Dogs'. Picking up where they left off from 'Skeleton Jar', Youth Group fans will be assured once again of more incredible song writing. The first taste from their third long player is the stand out 'Catching & Killing' and from here on in - the music just gets better and better.

Personnel: Shirley Simms (vocals); Rowan Smith , Amanda Brown (violin); Sophie Glasson (cello); Tim Kevin (keyboards); Andrew Lancaster, David McCormack (synthesizer); Matthew Steffen (double bass).

Audio Mixers: Christopher Walla; Wayne Connolly.

Rolling Stone (p.80) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]hey wield massive choruses, stadium-ready production and the keening vocals of Toby Martin."
Spin (p.89) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] great driving record that exquisitely soundtracks crushes and heartbreaks."
Alternative Press (p.115) - "CASINO achieves that delicate timelessness demanded by today's discerning indie [listeners]....It's got some beautiful moments."
CMJ (p.45) - "[O]pen-ended, cavernous pop songs....[With] an epic, lush cover of Alphaville's 'Forever Young'..."