Despite coming together in 2004, the members of Young the Giant didn't hit the radio or the mainstream until roughly last year. Known for years as the Jakes, the guys survived a name and personnel change before its 2011 debut drew crowds and earned the group a raucous live reputation as the little-band-that-could-jam. But good hype comes to those who wait. Named a band to watch by too many outlets to name-drop, the California quintet and its mid-tempo, croon-heavy modern rock have earned approval from even the most curmudgeonly of sources: Morrissey is a fan.
Recommended If You Like: Earnestness. Live, the tambourine features heavily, and the band's track "Cough Syrup" has already made it to Glee.
