Iconic indie giants Youth Group announce new album ‘Big Whoop’ for October and lead with the shimmering anthemic single ‘The Joke’ and tour dates. – Backseat Mafia

Last year while supporting Underground Lovers and back touring after a five year hiatus, the iconic Youth Group released the single thrilling ‘Siberia’ (see my review here) as a portent of things to come. Now they have released news of an album ‘Big Whoop’ through the mighty Impressed Recordings and Cassell Records due out on 10 October and tempted us with a new single ‘The Joke’. Surely Christmas in August must be a thing.

Where ‘Siberia’ seemed to signal a change in direction for the band with its motorik beat and electronic thrum, ‘The Joke’ sees a return to the yearning jingle jangle sound of fore: typically threaded through with soaring choruses and indelible melodies carried on Toby Martin’s exquisite distinct vocals. It is a stirring single and a symbol of a band that continues to shimmer and sparkle despite the passage of time. Lyrically, the the song features Martin’s ability to capture the zeitgeist, referencing personal themes in a delightful bright eyed and empathetic manner:

The track is out now via all the usual sites (and preferably not Spotify).

The new album, produced by the legendary Wayne Connolly and released through Impressed Records/Cassell Records, comes in a number of guises, including bundles with tickets for the live shows. You can pre-order it here. The tour includes some mighty impressive supports.

Ticket Price: $35 NET + BF pre / $40 NET door (+ BF if applicable)

Ticket + Digital Download Bundle: $36 NET + BF ($35 NET Ticket + $1 Digital Download + BF)

Ticket + Vinyl bundle: $99.99 NET + BF ($35 ticket + $64.99 vinyl + BF)

Tour Dates:

Friday, 31 October – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney – Special Guests: The S-ft F-cus, 78 Saab, Lisa Caruso

Tickets here

Saturday, 1 November – Valley Loft Brisbane – Special Guests: The S-ft F-cus, Greg Brady and The Anchors

Tickets here

Friday, 7 November – Milk Bar, Perth – Special Guests: The S-ft F-cus, Jae Laffer (The Panics)

Tickets here

Saturday 8 November – Northcote Social Club – Special Guests: The S-ft F-cus, Hannah Cameron

Tickets here

Feature Photograph: Nicole Le Bris

Related