Released on 04/07/05
Label: Epitaph Records

Sharing the same sparse rock ballpark and bleak optimism as fragile worrier Bright Eyes, it's little wonder that Youth Group have already been championed by cult US TV show - and increasingly influential springboard for new music - "The OC". With Jonathan Ross banging their drum with the over 30s on his Radio 2 show and MTV2 offering heavy rotation, it would seem all is set for Australia's next big thing.

All they need now is an essential single and world domination should be theirs. While "Shadowland" clearly isn't that single - too coy by half to make its presence felt on the mire of daytime radio - it enough to raise expectations for forthcoming album, "Skeleton Jar".

The purity of Toby Martin's vocals, the dreamy guitar jangle and head nodding tom tom thud, all point to thoughtful lo-fi Americana to get lost in. And if the album's anything like the single, it's guaranteed to be a grower.

    by Dan Gennoe