Album Review: Gang of Youths – angel in realtime.
A triumphant journey of self-discovery that sees frontman Dave Le'aupepe at his most vulnerable, coming to terms with the loss of his father and confronting his cultural identity. You'll be swept away by impeccably-produced compositions—this album features jazzy soundscapes (tend the garden), addictive football crowd singalongs (in the wake of your leave) and of course, drum-heavy indie rock ballads (unison, the man himself) that incorporate gorgeous samples of Pacific Island vocals and music.
The story of his late father's misleading life unravels through most of the first half and takes centre stage in piano ballad brothers, providing us with more understanding of their complex relationship. An epic two-part closer offers a brilliant conclusion to his contemplation, with goal of the century looking forward at Dave's future. This is an unreal album and one that you must hear.
“You wanna know what a life is? Then you take it day by day/ You wanna see it in motion? The sum of a life contains every bad vibe, every undivided groove.”
Favourites: in the wake of your leave, the angel of 8th ave., unison, spirit boy, the man himself, goal of the century