Young the Giant
Article by Brittany Ormiston
Young the Giant’s summer tour is well underway as they bring to life their most recent body of work American Bollywood. Lead vocalist and frontman Sameer Gadhia wrote the majority of the album, and depicted his parents journey as they immigrated from India to the United States in the early 1980s. He explored the conflict within himself to preserve and honor his family’s heritage all the while becoming accustomed to his life in America. According to the band, the album is divided into four acts: “Origins - Gadhia’s grandparents in the old world, Exile - his parents finding themselves strangers in a new world, Battle - his fight to maintain his culture while also trying to fit in, and Denouement - reconciliation and transcendence for future generations.” Modern indie-rock and ancient Indian instrumentation is interwoven into the multi-layered, true-life story of Gadhia and his family to create the work of art that is American Bollywood.
The city of Indianapolis was honored to be included on Young the Giant’s extensive summer tour. This rang true as the crowd delivered a warm welcome to the band as soon as they set foot on the stage. “Thank you for welcoming us here, and making us feel at home,” responded Gadhia during the set. The visual presentation launched the crowd directly into the storyline, and enhanced the concert experience. Marigold flower garland draped down over the spotlights and disco ball to create a makeshift chandelier. Four large window panes displayed the corresponding designs to each act of the album. They were evenly spaced out across the back of the stage, and the designs lit up in sync with the bass drum. Small pieces of luggage with marigold flowers accented the garland perfectly, and exemplified the immigrant experience. To further describe the narrative of American Bollywood, short video clips were played periodically throughout the show.
In addition to the stage set-up, the title track and opening song set the tone for the show in its entirety. Attendees instantly felt as if they were attending a play, which is exactly what the band aimed for. Gadhia broke out a tambourine during ‘Wake Up,’ and his vocal control had everyone fixed in time. As the instrumentals for ‘The Walk Home’ began, orange lighting outlined each band member creating an eerie sensation. “Is anyone out there listening? // I’ve lost myself,” sand Gadhia softly. He dropped the tambourine onto the ground as he finished a note, and the lighting picked up speed in tune with the lyrics. Young the Giant sprinkled in several older songs and fan-favorites that went along with the themes of American Bollywood.
Singing the chorus of ‘Cough Syrup’ at the top of your lungs as Gadhia jumped and spun around on one leg was quite the freeing experience. The band’s performance of ‘Mind Over Matter’ was like floating on a cloud with the background vocals guiding the meditation. The harmonies cast a spell during the bridge of ‘Superposition’ with various colors reflecting off the disco ball to seal the deal. To get the crowd pumped up and ending the night on an energetic note, Young the Giant performed ‘My Body.’ “My body tells me no // but I won’t quit // ‘Cause I want more,” shouted the crowd with fire in their eyes. Gadhia blew a kiss to the crowd as the last instrumentals concluded. Every member of the band picked up their set lists and lightly tossed them to fans waiting eagerly. Young the Giant can be counted on to analyze the deeper meanings in life, and turn it all into timeless masterpieces. Their live shows and music alike will always create a space where each and every person feels they belong, and has the opportunity to heal their heart, mind, and soul along the way.
TCU Amphitheater in Indianapolis, IN on June 25, 2023
Photos by Everly Ormiston
