Mirror Master (2018) - Young the Giant

7/10

Image Credit: Album cover for Mirror Master by Young the Giant. © 2018 Elektra Records. Used under fair use.

Young the Giant is an alternative rock band that originated in Irvine, California in 2004. The current lineup features Sameer Gadhia on vocals, Jacob Tilley and Eric Cannata on guitars, Payam Doostzadeh on bass, and Francois Comtois on drums. Originally known as “The Jakes”—an acronym formed from the names of the original members—the group rebranded as “Young the Giant” in 2009 following several lineup changes.

Mirror Master is the band’s fourth studio album, released under Elektra Records. The album opens with the standout single “Superposition”, a track grounded by the charango, a small Andean stringed instrument native to South America. The song is elegant, emotional, and sonically distinct, signaling the band’s shift from their traditional alt-rock roots into more experimental territory. In 2019, Young the Giant released two alternate versions of “Superposition.” The “Reprise” version, recorded in a single day at Layman Drug Company Studio in Nashville, strips the song down to a tender vocal and minimalist piano arrangement, described by the band as a “deconstructive negative of the original.” The “Reflection” version maintains a subdued tone but reintroduces the charango alongside acoustic guitar, offering yet another layer of texture.

Other highlights from the album include “Heat of the Summer,” a bold, infectious anthem made for windows-down drives and carefree nights. “Tightrope” follows with its smooth bassline and introspective lyrics about the delicate balancing act of personal life, likening it to walking a tightrope. The record concludes with its title track, “Mirror Master”—a high-energy, empowering closer that leaves listeners charged up after a deeply dynamic album experience. Overall, Mirror Master marks a subtle but meaningful evolution in the band’s sound. While the shift may seem modest to some, it’s a refreshing pivot that could redefine their musical identity for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Young the Giant has been actively touring in recent years and continues to be a standout live act. Their commitment to faithfully translating their studio sound to the stage is evident, and they consistently deliver unforgettable performances. The band will be performing at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago on October 3rd—a show not to be missed.