Youth Group's Forever Young: A Bittersweet Anthem for the Ages
Twenty years after its release, Youth Group's 2006 cover of Alphaville's '80s classic remains an enduring anthem that resonates with the hearts of Gen X indie kids. The band's version of Forever Young features mellow guitar riffs and footage of Sydney skateboarders in 1978, transporting listeners back to a bygone era.
As the band members now middle-aged, they reflect on their biggest hit with a mix of nostalgia and ambivalence. Toby Martin, Youth Group's lead vocalist, admits that while he's proud of the song, it also evokes feelings of resentment towards those who expected it from them. The experience even led to some reluctance in performing the track live.
However, after years of touring and writing songs about existential crises and anxiety, Martin notes that "angst doesn't go away just because you get older." This realization has prompted him to tap into his own concerns as a father and writer.
The band's sixth album, Big Whoop, tackles themes of fatherhood, mortality, and the nostalgia-tinged memories of youth. Tracks like Kim Deal and Saturday Dad showcase Martin's exploration of place, family, and identity.
In an interview with Youth Group, Martin reveals that his own experiences in Australia have influenced the songwriting. He drew inspiration from Helen Garner, Lorrie Moore, and Raymond Carver short stories as well as the struggles of parenting.
The band's music has undergone a transformation over the years, reflecting influences from Manchester's New Order to their Australian roots. One track, Don't Turn Your Back on the Moon, is an ode to Grant McLennan, a friend who passed away at 48. The song explores the existential fears and anxieties that come with middle age.
As Martin notes, "we've all got kids now, so all of a sudden you start thinking about what would happen if I wasn't around." This awareness has prompted him to confront his own mortality in his writing.
Youth Group's ability to maintain their creative bond is a testament to the power of shared history and camaraderie. Despite decades together on the road, touring, and music-making, they continue to produce memorable songs that reflect their unique perspective as a band.
Their sixth album, Big Whoop, is an exploration of life's complexities and themes that will resonate with anyone in Gen X. With its eclectic soundscapes and introspective lyrics, it cements Youth Group's status as one of Australia's most distinctive indie bands.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable band live on their upcoming tour.
Twenty years after its release, Youth Group's 2006 cover of Alphaville's '80s classic remains an enduring anthem that resonates with the hearts of Gen X indie kids. The band's version of Forever Young features mellow guitar riffs and footage of Sydney skateboarders in 1978, transporting listeners back to a bygone era.
As the band members now middle-aged, they reflect on their biggest hit with a mix of nostalgia and ambivalence. Toby Martin, Youth Group's lead vocalist, admits that while he's proud of the song, it also evokes feelings of resentment towards those who expected it from them. The experience even led to some reluctance in performing the track live.
However, after years of touring and writing songs about existential crises and anxiety, Martin notes that "angst doesn't go away just because you get older." This realization has prompted him to tap into his own concerns as a father and writer.
The band's sixth album, Big Whoop, tackles themes of fatherhood, mortality, and the nostalgia-tinged memories of youth. Tracks like Kim Deal and Saturday Dad showcase Martin's exploration of place, family, and identity.
In an interview with Youth Group, Martin reveals that his own experiences in Australia have influenced the songwriting. He drew inspiration from Helen Garner, Lorrie Moore, and Raymond Carver short stories as well as the struggles of parenting.
The band's music has undergone a transformation over the years, reflecting influences from Manchester's New Order to their Australian roots. One track, Don't Turn Your Back on the Moon, is an ode to Grant McLennan, a friend who passed away at 48. The song explores the existential fears and anxieties that come with middle age.
As Martin notes, "we've all got kids now, so all of a sudden you start thinking about what would happen if I wasn't around." This awareness has prompted him to confront his own mortality in his writing.
Youth Group's ability to maintain their creative bond is a testament to the power of shared history and camaraderie. Despite decades together on the road, touring, and music-making, they continue to produce memorable songs that reflect their unique perspective as a band.
Their sixth album, Big Whoop, is an exploration of life's complexities and themes that will resonate with anyone in Gen X. With its eclectic soundscapes and introspective lyrics, it cements Youth Group's status as one of Australia's most distinctive indie bands.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable band live on their upcoming tour.
thinkin bout youth group & that song forever young its like, 20 yrs old now but still so relevant u know? they're all growed up now w/ kids & mortgages & all dat but when it comes down to it, angst is stil a thing, just in different forms. toby martin's thoughts on aging & mortality really got me thinkin... like how do we come to terms w/ our own time runnin out? its not all sunshine & rainbows, is it? there's this whole other level of vulnerability that comes w/ gettin older
"middle-aged anxiety is just like middle-aged angst"] 
[a 2007 image of a skateboarder]
the way he's tapping into his own experiences and struggles is so inspiring can't wait to check out their new album big whoop!
! I mean, who wouldn't want to explore themes of fatherhood and mortality through music? It's like they're tackling real life issues head-on 
. I've been following them since the early days and it's amazing to see how their sound has evolved over the years 
. I'm intrigued by Toby Martin's influences - Helen Garner and Lorrie Moore are some big names in Australian literature 
! Can't wait to check out their upcoming tour, fingers crossed for an epic show 
. Anyway, back to music... I mean, I love that Youth Group is still going strong after 20 years, but Toby Martin's lyrics are kinda deep for a middle-aged dude 
. He's got this whole "existential fears and anxieties" vibe going on, which is pretty relatable if you ask me 
. Their album Big Whoop seems like a solid effort, but I wish they'd ditch some of those fancy production elements and just go for a more raw sound 
. And hey, if their music can make us all think about mortality and whatnot, then I'm all for it 
.
. The way they weave in these themes of existential crisis and anxiety into their music is like, so relatable? I mean, who hasn't felt that way at some point?
. Their live shows are supposed to be insane 
, and with this new album, they're gonna bring the house down for sure! 
2006 - still young 
(but not as carefree) 
Toby martin's songwriting has really grown, tackling deeper themes like mortality and fatherhood. it's no surprise that songs about existential crises and anxiety are still relevant after all these years 
. what i love most about this band is how they've maintained that indie edge while drawing from aussie roots and influences 
. their live shows must be insane with martin's raw energy and storytelling 