Last week, Gang Of Youths surprised fans with the release their new EP total serene. Gang Of Youths’ first body of work since its four-time ARIA Award-winning second album Go Farther In Lightness, the EP is led by the new single “unison” and today they share the video for the track. Consisting of just three long cuts, the video is based on a concept by Le’aupepe and was directed by Joel Barney, who also worked on “the angel of 8th ave.”

“unison” signposts Gang Of Youths’ future with its intricately detailed production, extending the core band sound with layers of brass, banjo, programmed beats and samples of David Fanshawe’s influential documentation of indigenous Pacific music. At the same time, it feels natural and uncluttered — an unlikely blend that allows it to soar to a moving crescendo.

“unison” unites the themes established by the EP’s other two songs. It’s a celebration of love’s salvation, but in the hands of frontman David Le’aupepe, it’s more nuanced, touching upon how current circumstances are influenced by both our heritage and sheer chance. He says, “‘unison’ is a deeply important track for us that really signals where the music is headed on the new record. I conceived the song in Samoa, my ancestral homeland. Here we sample and introduce the work of David Fanshawe, who travelled to the Pacific Islands in the 1980s and recorded the most extensive library of indigenous Pacific music anywhere in the world.”  

The band – completed by Max Dunn (bass), Jung Kim (guitar, keyboards), Donnie Borzestowski (drums) and Tom Hobden (keyboards, guitar, violin) – produced the total serene EP itself in its own studio space in London. The title references the headspace that Le’aupepe has craved for his entire life – something which, whether we realize it or not, is a universal human desire.

Since relocating to London in 2017, Gang Of Youths has consistently scaled up the city’s live circuit by progressing from grassroots venues steadily growing their UK audience due to the power of their live performances which now command concert halls and theatres. In addition to upcoming headline shows and festivals, the band is also confirmed to join Sam Fender’s upcoming arena tour. GOY have announced their own headline tour of the UK for August and September 2021. Click here for details. The band’s ever-growing and ardent US audience can expect tour dates to be revealed shortly.

Formed in Sydney, Australia in 2011, Gang Of Youths has made a big impression with its two albums to date, The Positions (2015) and Go Farther In Lightness (2017), the latter of which won ARIA Awards for Album of the Year and Best Group. The band’s life-affirming live shows have made it a festival hit everywhere from Splendour In The Grass to Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Rock Werchter and Mad Cool.