Youth Group’s Toby Martin had big Australian hair and not much of an audience at the Hi-Dive on Saturday. Photos by Lucia De Giovanni.

Youth Group, an Australian band formed in the early ’90s, played the Hi-Dive on Saturday in support of their fourth and latest album, “The Night is Ours.” This was Youth Group’s first headlining gig in Denver after opening for Death Cab for Cutie last time around on the unofficial “O.C. Tour.” Singer-guitarist Toby Martin is the son a well-known Australian poet, and his lyrics show it.

In fact, Youth Group’s lyrics are what set them apart from many in the indie pop-rock genre. They’ve opened for a who’s-who in rock, including Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Death Cab and the Strokes. Several years removed from the fame that came with their cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” which was featured on “The O.C.,” the band is struggling to connect with a new audience. This was reflected in the small but loyal crowd at the Hi-Dive Saturday.

Youth Group started the set with a few songs from their new release, including lead-off track “Good Time” and “Two Sides,” before sliding into “Skeleton Jar” and “Catching and Killing.” Martin projected high energy throughout and couldn’t help mentioning the quality of bathroom graffiti he saw at the Hi-Dive, such as “Your Mom’s a Jam Band.” The set ended with an energetic, reverb-laden version of “ShadowLand” and an encore of “Sicily” before the guys headed off to Salt Lake City for their next gig.

Locals Curious Yellow and their alter ego, the Still City, opened the night with their strong following in tow. – Jonas DiCaprio

MORE PHOTOS:

Curious Yellow

The Still City

Lucia De Giovanni is an award-winning photographer and internationally known photojournalist. You can view more of her work on her website and follow her Project 365, a Photo a Day, on her blog.