Young Rival Brings Back Classic Rock & Roll

Young Rival have eschewed the current trend of their fellow Canadian countrymen, many of whom find themselves in multi-instrumental ensembles or hard-rocking duos, instead forming a power trio consisting of guitar, bass and drums. They released their full length, Stay Young via hometown label Sonic Unyon this past October. Produced by Jon Drew (Fucked Up, Tokyo Police Club), you can easily hear a newfound tightness and confidence compared to their 2010 debut.

Each song clocks in at less than 4 minutes, which serves to enhance their easily-digestible, pop sensibility. They’ve crafted perfect, catchy tracks and manage to exude an infectious confidence that makes your foot start tapping and head start bobbing. This is a band that grew up on a steady diet of The Beatles and The Kinks, infusing their music with the British invasion, power-pop sensibility but without being bogged down by those influences.

“Black is Good” and “Two Reasons” are standout tracks, but the band loses some momentum with “Lost”, an out of place and somewhat unnecessary slow burner. Luckily, though, they manage to bounce back with “Valerie”, which seems to take very positive cues from The Strokes. Be sure to check out their incredible video for “Two Reasons”, featuring unbelievable face-paint by Michigan based artist, James Kuhn. I promise you won’t be able to look away from your computer screen (keep an eye out for the creepy, spoon-wielding baby).

Young Rival prove to be a perfect escape from the grungy, garage rock pervading the left-of-center airwaves. Head to their Bandcamp, and $10 will bring you an album that’s chock full of classic rock & roll and pop gems.