American Bollywood

Bolstered by themes of identity, heritage, and belonging, American Bollywood might be considered Young the Giants most authentic and personal album to date, capturing vocalist Sameer Gadhias experiences and perspective like never before. Telling the "multi-generational saga of the American immigrant," the project was slowly unveiled as four separate acts over the course of 2022. The first quarter of the set -- Act I: Origins -- aptly reflects its title, weaving the instrumentation of Gadhias South Asian roots through melodic alt-rock anthems such as the rousing "Wake Up." Act II: Exile takes a darker, more contemplative turn as the hope and optimism of the American Dream fade away to reveal a harsh reality. Lovers are divided on "My Way," a sad tale of lost love between "a kid from nowhere" and a "Blue-blooded American," and that melancholy carries over on the acoustic "Insomnia" and the heartbroken "Tonight." The act closes on an uplifting, though still pensive note with album highlight "The Walk Home," a Coldplay-sized dose of emotional arena pop that gets the blood pumping in preparation for Act III: Battle. Through gritted teeth and buzzing guitar riffs, "Dollar $tore" delivers the hardest-rocking track on the album, while the similarly guitar-focused "Cult of Personality" sidesteps any expectation of a Living Colour cover in favor of some Beatles-styled orchestral pop. "I Bite" skitters to life atop a programmed beat before another stadium-sized energizer "Dancing in the Rain" ushers in the albums end with infectious groove and melody. Act IV: Denouement kicks off with "Happy," an unexpected synth-showcase that swirls with atmospheric production and percussion courtesy of the tabla. Late album highlight "Otherside" revives the bands early sound, an earnest, band-focused attack that pushes Gadhias vocals as Jacob Tilley, Eric Cannata, Payam Doostzadeh, and Francois Comtois fire away. While the efforts full impact may have been diluted with the extended rollout (its their first non-charting full-length), American Bollywood is an ambitious, relatable, and wholly human statement that amplifies a story shared by so many, whether affected directly by diaspora or just wanting a place to belong. ~ Neil Z. Yeung