Written by Greg Ackerman Photos by James ATX
Australian rock band Gang of Youths performed to a sold-out Antone’s Nightclub Thursday, October 4 to kick off weekend one of Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest). The Sydneysiders played the Honda Stage at ACL Fest on Saturday to a fairly large crowd given their early-ish time slot. Though the band has been active just over five years, they’ve garnered a lot of attention in Australia with last year’s hit record, Go Further in Lightness entering the Australian charts at number one, winning four ARIA Awards (Australian Recording Industry Association) including Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Band and Best Producer.
The group’s North American tour sold-out quite a few arena dates. Gang of Youths returns to ACL Fest Saturday before finishing out this leg of the tour with four more U.S. dates. The band’s remaining Australian shows through the end of the year have already sold-out. In the U.S. they’re frequently compared to Bruce Springsteen perhaps because of their deeply personal lyrics or the fact that they’re a straight up rock band. The upstart Aussies sound more like U2 to us. In fact, the band cites the Irish rockers as influences.
Gang of Youths delivered a fantastic live show last Thursday. While the band is solid and entertaining musically, lead vocalist and guitarist, David Le’aupepe has charisma to burn. The dynamic front-man frequently stepped to the edge of the stage grasping the hands of fans, letting them caress his legs while shaking his hips around. His rugged good-looks don’t hurt either. It’s Le’aupepe’s contagious enthusiasm and authenticity that connects him to fans though. Most of his music is autobiographical, touching on heavy themes such as suicide, terminal illness and depression. Indeed, his song, “Say Yes to Life” touches on his father’s unsuccessful battle with cancer.
Gang of Youths are set to release an MTV Unplugged Live in Melbourne on October 28. Fans can pre-order the album directly from the band’s website
