Youth find a break with the past Things Take Time
Gang of Youths is charting a course toward something beautifully understated, trading the maximalist energy that defined their earlier work for a sound steeped in thoughtful, jazzy refinement. The band has released their first new single in four years, Things Take Time, signaling a deliberate shift that feels less like a retreat and more like an elegant re-invention.
Frontman David Le’aupepe revealed that this new direction was born out of a desire for freedom, not constraint. Instead of the big-swinging indie-rock that made them arena headliners, the new material opts for a more subtle, flowing groove, built on sparse piano chords and the tasteful stabs of horns. It’s music that feels less about shouting and more about breathing.
When discussing the creation of the single, Le’aupepe emphasized the liberating nature of the process. “I didn’t want too much weighing it down,” he explained. He sought a song that felt speedy and light, allowing the groovy, flowing nature of the music to take center stage. This newfound creative space allowed him to explore songwriting in a way that felt genuinely free.
Lyrically, the new work delves into a fascinating cycle of life, focusing on the natural themes of growth and death. The inspiration came from observing the simple, constant cycle of plants—a fascination with how life grows and dies without malice. This theme reflects a broader philosophical shift, moving away from writing songs that heavily focus on personal emotional turmoil to something more external and observational.
The journey of the band has been marked by huge successes, including their acclaimed 2022 album Angel In Realtime, which cemented their status with four stars from NME and massive stadium tours. Yet, even after these triumphs, the band recognized the need to evolve. As Le’aupepe noted, the pursuit of perfection and the weight of past achievements can stifle new creativity.
This new phase represents a conscious choice to prioritize philosophical freedom over hyper-literal introspection. The writing process has become less about digging into personal underbellies and more about noticing and contemplating the external world. This new approach has manifested in songs like Things Take Time, which offer a refreshing sense of calm and perspective.
The shift wasn’t just musical; it extended to their live performances. The band is experimenting with stripping back the show, opting for bare elements of piano, bass, and drums. They are striving to reinvent their stage presence, finding a middle ground between giving audiences familiar comfort and offering something fresh. It’s an exciting experiment in finding the perfect balance between experience and evolution.
The process of creating this new era is ongoing, characterized by a willingness to learn and accept that the work is a continuous journey. As Le’aupepe reflects, there is no finish line, only the ongoing pursuit of the next meaningful chord.
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