I first heard Young Girls when they played an Austin Town Hall showcase during SXSW one year, and it was an instant hook – although for months on end, I jokingly warned that, if looking for the band online, it would be wise to include tags such as “Houston band” in your search. Even Young Girls adamantly reminds people on Facebook: “We are a BAND called Young Girls; we aren’t young girls.” And fair play to that.
But put the band name aside and hear me out. Their self-titled 2011 release is still well worth checking out – an overall solid mix of garage, indie, pop, rock and even a bit of punk. Members Charlie, Pete and Luis were a trio for awhile before Nick came on board. The same year they released their full-length, the band embarked on a European tour after friends in dark wave synth band A Sky Jet Black hooked them up with some contacts in England. It was Young Girls’ first tour outside of the U.S., and Luis’ first tour away from Texas.
Young Girls is returning to Austin for a show Tuesday night at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, on the inside stage. It’s a good line-up with local twee gazers Gang Sign and ambient dark pop trio Single Lash. Doors open at 9 p.m. Recommended.
