Young Jesus – “Dirt” (Stereogum Premiere)

Young Jesus – “Dirt” (Stereogum Premiere)

It only took Jesus three days to resurrect, but it’s taken Chicago-bred indie rockers Young Jesus closer to three years. After the band had all but broken up following the release of their 2012 debut Home, frontman John Rossiter moved to Los Angeles, recruited two more members, and got back to writing, and their long-gestating sophomore LP Grow / Decompose is finally out next month. They’ve already shared a few singles, and today, we get to hear album closer “Dirt.” All of their songs come across as deeply felt and anthemic, but at eight minutes, “Dirt” is a full-on bleary-eyed epic. The last six minutes are entirely instrumental, building to sky-scraping heights of ecclesiastical splendor that remind me a bit of the final moments of “How A Resurrection Really Feels,” the last track off of the Hold Steady’s great Separation Sunday. Musically, that might not be the most accurate reference point — Young Jesus generally sound a lot more sensitive and a little less drunk — but both bands play songs about troubled young people seeking salvation, and the comparison feels right. If that’s not praise enough for you, listen below to become a believer.

Grow / Decompose is out 5/13 via Hellhole Supermarket. Pre-order it here.

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