The Band

Hailing from the Washington, D.C. metro area, Youth in Government craft expansive space rock that blends the psychedelic textures of the 1970s with the atmospheric haze of shoegaze and the emotional sweep of post-rock. Equal parts cosmic and cathartic, the duo channels shimmering guitars, immersive soundscapes, and driving rhythms into songs that feel both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Youth in Government consists of Chris Mathews-Larsen (guitar/vocals) and Trae Tomko (drums/vocals/sampler), who together performed and co-produced the entirety of the band’s debut album. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Radiohead, Slowdive, the Beatles, the Cure, and the influential 4AD catalog, the band creates music that balances melody, experimentation, and atmosphere.

Describing themselves simply as “space rock that sparks joy,” Youth in Government aim to make music that feels transportive — immersive songs built for headphones, late-night drives, and moments of reflection alike.