the angel of 8th ave is taken from the bands latest EP, totalserene
Image: Amy Heycock
Aussie legends Gang Of Youths have scored their first ever Alternative Radio Chart Top 10 hit on US radio with the angel of 8th ave. Taken from their latest EP, total serene, the release marks the first recorded track to feature Tom Hobden, who officially joined the band late last year.
The hypnotic track brings conversational lyricism from Dave Le’aupepe, marking a shift in lyrical approach in this new era of the band. Poetic yet intense, the track is inspired by the night Le’aupepe met his wife, “It’s about falling in love, and finding a new life in a new city together,". set atop mesmerising guitars and luminous synths, Le’aupepe's commanding vocals ring through the track,
Directed by Joel Barney, the release arrives alongside a charismatic visual, shot on location in North London, where the five=piece permanently relocated to in 2017. Following the band as they stroll the streets of Angel, making their way from the local station, down to the canal, Le’aupepe's signature captivating performance taking centre stage.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the band to re-route their creative output, using their new found downtime to challenge themselves musically and push the boundaries of their sound. “I think it’s been challenging for us, this whole process, but it’s probably going to be good for our music. We’ve gone in a less safe direction and it’s going to be more in line with Dave’s actual vision, rather than Dave pumping something out to get a deadline met,” says bassist Max Dunn. “We’re exploring so many different territories and sides of ourselves and that’s manifesting in the music,” adds keyboardist Jung Kim. “We’re doing things that have never really made an appearance in Gang Of Youths.”
Forming in 2011, Gang Of Youths have gone from strength to strength, with two acclaimed records, 2015’s The Positions and 2017’s Go Farther In Lightness, under their belt, with the latter earning them four prestigious ARIA Awards. Their 2015 premiere performance on Australia’s MTV Unplugged proved their .... as a live act, with sold out shows across the country, and support slots across Europe and the U.S with Mumford & Sons and Foo Fighters.
the angel of 8th ave is out now! Watch the visual below.
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