Youth Group Ivy League Records (2009) *** Sometimes, a bit of isolation and recluse can inspire the most ingenious pieces of work. So is the case for Australian musicians, Youth Group. After completing three successful LP's, all of which evoke a sense of youthful purity and musical deftness, Youth Group approached their fourth full-length album, The Night Is Ours, with a familiar wistfulness. In an unconventional tone, Youth Group strayed away from customary recording methods, renovating a neglected boat, "MV Cape Don, and its moorings," as studio space. As a result, The Night Is Ours affords listeners a raw introspection into the musicians' lives as they are drawn against the sea. A provocatively romantic, yet morose sensibility is expressed throughout the album.  And similar to The Smiths, Youth Group channels stark moments of desolation and peaks of loneliness. In their first track, "Good Time," the band introduces the album with a string of eerie, oceanic melodies and droned out vocals. Then "One for Another" picks up the pace, lining glitchy guitar strumming, ascending horns and catchy hooks.  While the quirky, soft rock ballad, "Two Sides" is fittingly placed before "Dying at Your Own Party" which draws upon a cathartic experience.  Incorporating natural elements from Cape Don, Youth Group turned the rustic sounds of pipes and chains into beautiful and lulling instrumentations. A metaphorical tale at best, vocalist Toby Martin laments about being forgotten, a feeling relatable to most. As the remaining tracks are balanced by soothing acoustics that compliment the lyrical integrity pronounced through out the album. Finally, the last track shudders with penetrating emotion, offering philosophical inquiry in "What is Life?"  Some of us may never find the answer to that question, but with the musical accompaniment of The Night Is Ours, and a wisp of a sea breeze, maybe, life can become that much clearer. *** For more info on Youth Group, please visit http://www.youthgroup.com.au/