Young in name, but not young in years in the band game, Young Lyre (formally Sons of Darragh, Oresund and the Frisk) have stormed into the New Zealand mainstream this month with their distinctively Indie sound and refreshingly bright new EP, Night Swimming. Debuting at number fifteen on the Official New Zealand Music Chart, Night Swimming has been described by those in the know as sounding like Two Door Cinema Club's Tourist History.
Young Lyre’s sound is similar to that of New Zealand’s Clap Clap Riot, only with an extra layer of florescent ear candy. Like a less psychedelic and more band focussed rendition of that one song by Owl City, though at times lead singer Jordan Curtis sounds more like Adam Green from the Moldy Peaches than Adam Young, especially on the EP’s first track, “Little Love”.
Night Swimming comes with the promise that Young Lyre are writing new material and that “the best is yet to come.” If their album is as mature, heart-warming and dance-inducing as this, their first polished EP, then we might well be looking at the first foray of New Zealand’s number one Indie band.
Known for their ability to make an audience dance, Young Lyre promise to be a must see at Parachute 2013.
You know that band that you love to dance to? You know the one... the one where you get off your seat no matter what mood you find yourself in, or who you find yourself around? Young Lyre is the New Zealand supply of that very same sonic goodness. These Auckland lads make the sound a dance move would make if it had lungs and a smoke machine.
Experiencing Young Lyre live is like being a... part of an explorative people-prompted flash dance. Their sound has been likened to Two Door Cinema Club's breakout album Tourist History. They sure know how to play their instruments which makes for a quality live show that sounds extremely overseas-ish.
All 5 of Young Lyre's characters are friends from way back when. Simon on the drums is the one with the voluminous hair and an impressive cardio regime, Matt on bass disguises his love for hardcore with a soft luscious beard. Sanjay on Guitar dons the mexi-moustache complimenting his ability to play almost any song he hears. Kiran on the Guitar is the guy who can make any instrument sound like an atmospheric sensation of joy, and Jordan on vocals sports a manly ginger beard to justify the weird vocal noises in an attempt to feel a part of sound check.