“Captivatingâ€, “epicâ€, and “powerfulâ€, are three words that best illustrate Young Lions’ take on the rock genre, and three critically acclaimed albums deep, the band’s next instalment with the single Kaleidoscope, is a variegated masterpiece.
Lead by charismatic frontman, Zach Britt, bassist Morgan Castle, drummer Matt Gibson, and guitarist Ryan Alison, Young Lions have taken a strategic step to remaster their strengths musically and, with Kaleidoscope it’s evident how far they’ve come from the band they were since their formation in 2013.
Recorded and mixed by Brock Weston from Brisbane band, Bugs, Kaleidoscope explores the complex issue of mental health, taking the angle of the struggle one faces, but with the realisation that, whilst help is available, only one person can begin to initiate a change… that is you.
“It’s your choice to be here, I can’t be the hero, it’s your call what you give away – the track’s lyrical content is as honest and as raw as it gets. ‘Kaleidoscope’ is close to my heart after a family member came close to taking their own lifeâ€. says Zach. “Just to witness their struggle, and the feeling of complete helplessness I had really started to question things, like for example our Mothers love, was it all for nothing?”
Above anything, the track leads to be an anthem for seeking self-help and for picking yourself up again to keep up the good fight. “You need to be the maker of your own destiny.â€
It’s been five years since Young Lions’ last furore with the critically acclaimed album ‘Mr Spaceman’ which debuted at #3 on the iTunes global album chart, and #3 on the AIR Album Charts and was highly applauded by industry giants including Rolling Stone who gave the album 4/5 and calling ‘Mr. Spaceman’ a “record that explodes their sound into heady, arena-ready territory.†TheMusic.com.au wholeheartedly agreed, matching the 4/5 rating, and going as far as calling ‘Mr. Spaceman’ an “incredible album.â€
The dynamic within the band, on a personal level, has changed significantly over those five years: Morgan and Zach have made the leap into Fatherhood, a few of them have become proud homeowners, some even flourishing professionally, and after two years of navigating the global pandemic, it allowed each of them time to clear the mind. Safe to say that moving into this next phase has been a reawakening. A reset. “We’ve all come a long way and the brotherhood has never been stronger heading into this release,†says Britt. “I think the biggest change has been our respect for each other. We can talk things out and we know each other’s strengths and also where we can help each other be our best. The songs on our next album are so honest and we’re in the best headspace we’ve ever been to do this.â€
Celebrating near on a decade together – a feat that the Brisbane four-piece will celebrate in 2023 – Young Lions’ resume has grown swiftly: near 11 million streams on Spotify alone, over 650,000 YouTube views, a 2013 debut album ‘Burn’ which was named “alternative Rock at its finest†and the title track earning them a spot on Triple J’s Short Fast Loud top 40 listener poll, and a sophomore 2015 album ‘Blue Isla’ that was praised by Rolling Stone Magazine for the band’s “undeniable charm to the songwriting†and describing the fan-favourite track You Are II as a “a sonic adrenaline rush that rivals the best of 30 Seconds To Mars.â€
It’s on stage where Young Lions‘ heart is really on their sleeve. After a relentless touring schedule and an unrivalled commitment to delivering their best, Young Lions bring a calibre of energy to their live shows like no other. It’s theatrical, it’s dirty, and it’s dimensional. Having toured every corner of this country over the last ten years, the band have sold out headlining shows and has supported the likes of Hands Like Houses, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Silverstein, Dream On Dreamer, Bayside and Short Stack to name a few, and featuring on massive festivals including Unify Gathering.
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With thanks to AAA Entertainment
