The critically acclaimed Australian rock band Gang of Youths has officially ended a four-year hiatus from new music with the release of their latest single, "Things Take Time." This marks the first offering from the ARIA Award-winning group since their 2022 album, Angel in Realtime, and signals a significant evolution in their songwriting and artistic direction, hinting at a "whole different approach" to their music.
Hailing from Sydney and now based in London, Gang of Youths has consistently pushed boundaries within the alternative rock landscape. Their journey began in the intimate setting of Sydney’s pub scene, a far cry from the global stages they now command. By 2017, the band had firmly established themselves as one of Australia’s premier rock acts, a status solidified by critical accolades and chart success.
The new single, "Things Take Time," is a testament to this artistic maturation. Written collaboratively by bandmates David Le’aupepe, Tom Hobden, Donnie Borzestowski, and Jung Kim, the track incorporates lush orchestral arrangements, presenting a more measured and introspective sound compared to their earlier, more raw material. This shift reflects a band that has clearly spent considerable time honing their craft and exploring new sonic territories.
"Things Take Time" is more than just a song; it’s a thematic exploration of patience and the unpredictable journey of life. The lyrics delve into themes of growth, decay, and the cyclical nature of renewal. The creative process behind the single was as deliberate as its title suggests.
"It’s in its namesake, but it took a f***ing long time to make a three-minute song," Kim remarked to Billboard, highlighting the meticulous effort involved. "It took three years to make a three-minute song." This extended period of refinement ultimately paid off when inspiration struck, allowing Le’aupepe to channel his creative energy and complete the track.
Gang of Youths’ previous studio album, Angel in Realtime, released in 2022, achieved considerable success, topping the ARIA Albums Chart for the second consecutive time. The album was lauded for its depth and complexity, exploring themes of Indigenous heritage, identity, family, spirituality, mortality, and forgiveness. It garnered widespread critical praise, including the coveted J Award for Australian album of the year.
However, the genesis of their upcoming work represents a distinct departure from the intensely personal narratives that characterized Angel in Realtime. "The lyrical content is quite a departure," explained Hobden. "Records of old have obviously been centered around some very, very personal topics for him [Le’aupepe]. And then suddenly he’s facing an album where he doesn’t really know what the lyrical thread is. It’s a whole different approach to songwriting."
This shift in lyrical focus was nurtured in a unique creative environment. Le’aupepe spent extensive periods at Hobden’s garden studio in London, observing the natural world and allowing ideas to percolate. "He was in there for many hours, many weeks, just chiseling away ideas," Hobden elaborated, underscoring the dedicated and organic nature of their songwriting process.
The new era for Gang of Youths, much like Angel in Realtime, draws its creative energy from a diverse range of influences and collaborative efforts. The band self-produced the new single, with recording sessions taking place at Decoy Studios in Suffolk, England. The production was overseen by Robert Sellens and Jung Kim, who also contributed on guitar and keyboards, further demonstrating the band’s commitment to internal creative control.
Kim elaborated on the band’s evolving ambitions: "There’s always been an ambition to make something quite grandiose, with very grandiose ideas, and it’s reflected in very long arrangements and quite dense instrumentation. But this time around, it’s very much stripping a lot of that away for the sake of just making music that actually makes this maybe feel at ease. And at comfort." This deliberate move towards sonic simplicity and emotional resonance marks a significant artistic pivot.
The band is keen to emphasize that their new musical direction is not about chasing trends or seeking external validation. "Those muscular recordings are not about impressing," Hobden stated emphatically. "It’s not about trying to be, in any way, part of the zeitgeist. In fact, that’s almost a deterrent for us. Anything that sounds vaguely of the moment is automatically a big no." This commitment to artistic integrity and timelessness sets Gang of Youths apart in a rapidly evolving music industry.
"Things Take Time" features a robust ensemble of musicians. Le’aupepe delivers vocals and plays piano, while Hobden contributes on violin. Borzestowski commands the drums, and Kim provides guitar and keyboards. The track is further enhanced by the contributions of Andrew Burgess on bass guitar, Nick Etwell on trumpet, Dave Williamson on trombone, and Klara Schumann on cello, creating a rich and layered soundscape.
Gang of Youths’ relocation to London in late 2017 coincided with their ascent to the pinnacle of Australia’s rock music scene. This move mirrors a well-trodden path for many Australian artists seeking international recognition, following in the footsteps of legends like The Saints, The Go-Betweens, INXS, Kylie Minogue, and Nick Cave.
The band’s sophomore album, Go Farther in Lightness, released prior to their move, achieved the No. 1 spot on the national ARIA Chart. This success was further amplified by a triumphant showing at the ARIA Awards, where they secured multiple accolades, including best group and album of the year, solidifying their status as national treasures.
The London base provided Gang of Youths with a fresh start and the opportunity for Le’aupepe to develop his artistic vision with a global perspective. This period has been devoid of regret, serving as a fertile ground for creative exploration and personal growth.
Further demonstrating their renewed momentum, Gang of Youths has also signed with Red Light Management, a move that has infused the band with a palpable sense of excitement and fresh ideas. Hobden expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The breath of energy that the new management bring is really exciting. They’ve got loads of great ideas." This strategic partnership is expected to propel their career forward on the international stage.
This surge of energy has already translated into a series of highly anticipated live performances. The band recently completed a brief run of Australian shows in August, including two sold-out dates at the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, a venue synonymous with artistic excellence. These performances offered fans a glimpse into the band’s evolving sound and their continued connection with their Australian roots.
Looking ahead, the creation of their fourth studio album is well underway, though the band remains characteristically tight-lipped about specific details. "We’re just working away at it to be honest," Hobden admitted when discussing the next full-length project. "We can’t have a definitive answer or anything. The intent is very much there. Let’s put it like that." This measured approach, encapsulated by their new single’s title, suggests a continued dedication to artistic patience and thoughtful development. The future of Gang of Youths promises a continued exploration of profound themes and innovative musical expression, all while staying true to their unique artistic identity.
