This NYC-based power pop band, Youngster, put out an infectious, tuneful slice of bliss that most major label bands in the modern rock idiom would die trying to make, but wouldn’t even come close. It’s one of those low-key, unpretentious, out-of-left-field surprises that writers like me try + find, but never do. Records like this one usually find their way to me instead!!
This charming band (to paraphrase The Smiths) consists of singer/guitarist Marc Dinkin, drummer Jared Nissim, lead guitarist Steve Cannarelli, and female bass player Anne-Marie Stehn, and their songs are infectiously tuneful, yet offbeat enough, that they don’t sound like anybody else. Marc’s singing voice is reminiscent of the Johns from They Might Be Giants at times, but instead, they incorporate drop dead harmonies into their singing.
Subject matter consists of delightful offbeat topics ranging from visiting the dentist (“Novocain”), Cracker Jacks (“No Toy Surprise”), to a new girlfriend rearranging his place (“My Room”). Combine this with left-of-center, but still catchy tunes, excellent musicianship that takes the songs to a new level, and a killer live gig. With Youngster, you can’t go wrong. Even their name is cool. To quote Imperial Teen’s upcoming CD, “What Is Not To Love?”