Young The Giant

Young The Giant bust out the moves at Greek Theatre, while Ra Ra Riot dish out the croons

The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles was in for a deliciously spicy treat Friday night with Orange County’s own, Young The Giant. Supporting them on their tour were indie pop pals, Ra Ra Riot. Getting the night off to a bright start were those vibrant New York natives: Ra Ra Riot. The band brought their fun and energetic pop to the floor, and gave us a beautiful and very musical start to the evening. Lead vocalist, Wes Miles has some super glossy chops, that’s for damn sure. With a powerful range, his voice is accompanied by a violinist and cellist, which give Ra Ra Riot that really unique and special eclectic sound.

Without further ado, the stage made clearance for what was to come. Supporting their third and newest record, Home of the Strange, Young The Giant came in with an indestructible energy. It’s easily one of my favorite albums of the year. Instantly, we got to jam out to one of the hits off the new record, “Jungle Youth.” Between lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s forcefully direct vocals and Eric Cannata and Jacob Tilley’s funky guitar parts, the band exploded with energy. The Greek Theater could surely be heard (and felt) from the surrounding neighborhood.

Young The Giant has always brought us into their atmosphere with their music. These high school friends have a wide span of influences from their European and Middle Eastern roots. The almost nonstop set continued with few breaks to briefly shed light on the next song. It was awesome to hear the meaning behind the heavy tracks off the new record, being as they’re written about the band’s immigrant history. But let’s not backtrack. The fire behind the night’s magic was definitely from Gadhia’s classic dance moves. You couldn’t help but bob your head and sway your body along to his pizzazz! Did I even mention his glittery-technicolor majestic blazer? Rockstar status, hands down. Young The Giant closed out the night with two separate encores. Of course the finale of the set was the 2011 hit we all know and love to scream along to, “My Body.”

I’d say the sold-out house was more than entertained. Don’t miss Young The Giant supporting Gwen Stefani in a few weeks at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater for the final two shows of the venue!

Words & Photography: Danielle Gornbein