You Me At SixÔÇÖs long-awaited ‘Cavalier Youth’ has finally arrived. Touted as an album of epic proportions, the Weybridge quintet have delivered the album of their careers. Turning their back on both the pop-punk and post-hardcore scenes that had influenced them in the past, ÔÇÿCavalier YouthÔÇÖ could be the release that sees them become a band listened to by everybody.
Striving for commercialism rarely makes for a credible release, yet in the same way that ParamoreÔÇÖs self-titled thrived, discarding intentions of being ÔÇÿcoolÔÇÖ has meant that You Me At Six have done what theyÔÇÖre actually good at. Under the guidance of renowned producer Neal Avron, the album is a cohesive hour of well-written, radio-friendly pop rock.
Opener ‘Too Young To Feel This Old’ is reminiscent of Las VegasÔÇÖ stadium-botherers The Killers, and promises a wholly bigger sound than weÔÇÖve been used to. ‘Lived A Lie’ is equally as anthemic and defines You Me At SixÔÇÖs new sound. ‘Fresh Start Fever’ is as close to their ‘old’ material as we’re going to get, but the likes of the incredible ‘Forgive and Forget’ justify their departure from their past. Admittedly, some tracks are very accessible with simple lyricism that discards vocalist Josh FranceschiÔÇÖs witty quips of old. However ‘Cold Night’ demonstrates their new influences, combining John Mayer and The Police-esque melodies with a mature and considered result. ‘Hope For The Best’ is a slice of perfect British rock and could help the band make the bill at festivals like Glastonbury in the future.
Cavalier Youth is a well-thought-out record and their technically best effort yet. Concluding with gang vocals that signify the band’s unity and their solid new sound, this is by far, their best album to date. Having already been blasted around stadiums during the Six Nations, it surely wonÔÇÖt be long before the band is headlining such venues themselves.