It’s hard to nail down what makes Youth Group more compelling than any number of other OC-approved mood merchants with guitars, but the follow-up to the Australian band’s well-hyped Skeleton Jar is a melodic triumph in all the right ways. The secret could have something to do with the nimble precision with which they weave delicate layers of hushed melodies, complementing singer Toby Martin’s winsome lilt with quietly prancing guitars and soft, meticulous rhythms. Or it could be the level of emotional release Martin reaches as he almost tearfully croons “I wanna be forever young” on “Forever Young” and “I’m so terribly terribly sorry” on the throbbing, hooky “Sorry.” “Daisychains” leaves a lump in the back of your throat even if you aren’t sure quite why. Sure, you can wonder whether there’s a need for Youth Group with so many bands trying to replicate the success of Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie, but Casino Twilight Dogs is worth a listen.
Youth Group + Aqueduct + The Texas Governor | Middle East Upstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge | April 6 | 617.864.EAST
