Gang of Youths share new single ‘the angel of 8th ave.’
the angel of 8th ave.
Having relocated to London, Gang Of Youths have redefined their creative process and evolved their sound as they look to make their biggest statement to date. The first chapter of this new era starts today as they share their new single ‘the angel of 8th ave.’.
The track represents their first new music since 2017’s ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ album. ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ is a striking step forward for the band as they embark upon the most vital phase of their career so far. This time they’re channelling the musical lineage of their new life in the UK, drawing on the hypnotic motorik grooves of Joy Division and the luminous synths that embody classic New Order. It’s an utterly assured evolution of the ambitious, transformative power of music that they have become renowned for.
The song also represents a shift in Dave Le’aupepe’s lyrical approach. Now his focus falls on exposing the beauty and elegance of conversational, tell-as-it-is language in a song about the grandest of emotions. Simultaneously, it is still both poetic and intensely real. His opening words hone sharply in on a moment that changed the direction of his life, while the spectre of death conversely provides a glimpse of a brighter future.
He says,
“It’s about falling in love, and finding a new life in a new city together.”
Entirely self-produced, the track was recorded in their own studio in Hackney, a place which provides them with unlimited creative freedom. It was subsequently mixed by the Grammy-winning Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, The National).
Directed by Joel Barney, the song’s accompanying video was filmed in the band’s hometown of Angel, North London. The focal point is a tight close-up of Le’aupepe’s hugely charismatic performance, as the band dart from the bustle of the station to the relative desolation of the canal.
Since forming in Sydney, Australia in 2011, Gang Of Youths have made a big impression with their two albums to date, ‘The Positions’ (2015) and ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ (2017), the latter of which won four prestigious ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Group.
When they moved half a world away to London in 2017, they effectively had to start again. But with a live experience already conditioned to filling huge rooms, they quickly scaled upwards from grassroots venues such as The Old Blue Last and The Water Rats to sell-out the O2 Forum Kentish Town just a year later. Subsequent London shows have included four sold-out nights at the Islington Assembly Hall, and a show as part of BRITs Week 2020 in support of War Child. Meanwhile, international festival dates have spanned everywhere from Splendour In The Grass to Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Rock Werchter and Mad Cool.
Completed by Max Dunn (bass), Jung Kim (guitar, keyboards), Donnie Borzestowski (drums) and Tom Hobden (keyboards, guitar, violin), Gang Of Youths are now making a fresh start, with music that’s heavily inspired by their new life in London and that fully realises Le’aupepe’s vision for the band.
Gang Of Youths will play All Points East on August 30th on a bill headlined by Foals and Bombay Bicycle Club. The band are also confirmed as main support on Sam Fender’s upcoming UK arena tour, which is currently in the process of being rescheduled.
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