Youth Group

Youth Group is an alternative/indie rock band from Newtown, Sydney, Australia signed to Ivy League Records. With its roots in the Canberra indie rock scene, the group was formed in the late nineties by school friends Danny Allen, Paul Murphy, Toby Martin and Andy Cassell. Andy Cassell being one of three partners in the Ivy League / Winterman & Goldstein group of companies. Of the original members only Toby Martin (vocals/guitar) and Danny Allen (drums) remain. After various configurations, including the temporary membership of versatile Sydney musician, John Lattin of La Huva, the current lineup was finalised in 2004 through the addition of Cameron Emerson-Elliott on guitar (previously a member of The John Reed Club) and former bassist of The Vines, Patrick Matthews.

Built around the pure vocals of Martin and clean production of Wayne Connolly, the sound of Youth Group is reminiscent of power pop / indie rock artists such as Matthew Sweet. However it is Martin's insightful and empathetic lyrics which distinguish Youth Group from comparable bands. Able to create vignettes based around the emotional dynamics of his characters, often female, Martin's lyrics are typically unsentimental but rarely unsympathetic.