You Me At Six- ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ (03/10/2011- Virgin Records)

   You Me At Six were formed in Surrey in 2004, and this, their third album has excited fans for its promise to be mature, heavier and honest. The quintet have crawled their way to the top of the pop punk ladder, as ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ peaked at number one in the UK Album Charts, making it their most successful record thus far. It was written progressively since the band’s last release, making the songwriting natural and raw. Additionally, the album was recorded earlier this year and produced by Garth Richardson who has previously worked with industry heavyweights such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nickelback and Rage Against The Machine.

     ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ starts with first single ‘Loverboy’ which has been pinpointed as the track most similar to You Me At Six’s last album ‘Hold Me Down’(2010). The video shoot for this track was delayed due to the London Riots which spread all over the UK in August 2011. It was eventually released on 23^rd September 2011 with acoustic and instrumental versions as well as gritty B-side ‘Moon Child’. Reaching number 39 in the UK charts, it is the band’s third top 40 single. ‘Loverboy’ itself , is made up of punchy beats, gang vocals and booming bass from bassist Matt Barnes. It illustrates how commercial You Me At Six are due to its radio-perfect sound, yet the track is not actually pop based. Catchy and rowdy, it is the perfect way to open an album. Placing the first single from an album as the very first track is a rarity, but it warmly welcomes newer fans who may only be familiar with the band’s latest material and entices them to continue listening.

The artwork for 'Sinners Never Sleep'

     Second track ‘Jaws On The Floor’ is scheduled to be the next single released from ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ and it continues the heavier and harsher theme that ‘Loverboy’ provided. You Me At Six have managed to retain their unique spark yet eradicated most of their pop punk edge, making them more appealing to a wider range of people. Melodically, the song is full of variety and lyrically, it is simplistic at points, such as the chorus, ‘Such a pretty little thing, so much prettier without me’, but at points it is sharp and smart, ‘Life’s a bitch but I’m friends with her sister...’. It is incredible to witness how You Me At Six have converted themselves into more of a potential classic rock band without sacrificing their spark.

     ‘Bite My Tongue’ is very well-produced and absolutely gig perfect. With bulky short riffs, progression and guest vocals from Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes, it is bold, gritty and courageously candid, describing frontman Josh Franceshi’s occasionally resentment for his fellow band mates and friends, ‘I can’t hate the ones who made me.’ Sykes’ screamo input is seamlessly interwoven with the melody and the track fades wonderfully. ‘This Is The First’ thing reverts back to teen theme of struggling relationships, but its tongue-in-cheek, alternative set up depicts You Me At Six’s headway from ‘Hold Me Down’(2010). With various tempos and volumes, the overall production has been strenuously thought out, making the simplistic lyrics successful, ‘This is the first thing I thought, this is the last thing that I want...’.

     The boys’ first slower offering comes in the shape of ‘No One Does It Better’. Solid and similar in sound to Biffy Clyro, it ticks all the right boxes for a good rock song. It is by no means the best You Me At Six track to date, but the piercing chorus, ‘If I just save you, you can save me to’ is beautifully boisterous. You Me At Six have the rare ability to write blaring ballads, rowdy rock songs and progressive alternative pieces, as well as the talent to make them all emotional. ‘Little Death’ is somewhat similar to ‘Trophy Eyes’ (Hold Me Down, 2010) and consists of a chanty chorus and portrays the vocal capabilities of Josh Franceshi; to leap from spine-tingling gentle hums to borderline scream groans.

     ‘Crash’ the first bold ballad from ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ and reflects the band’s heavy influence from pop punk heavyweights Blink-182. This track in particular appears to be remarkably similar melodically to ‘Stay Together For The Kids’ (Take Off Your Pants And Jacket, 2002). ‘Crash’ is just as tender and tear-jerking despite its relevance swaying towards relationships of the romantic variety as opposed to parents splitting up. Its introduction with a short yet stunning string section blends into hushed vocals, ‘But when I looked at her I thought of only you...’, a drumming build-up and a breathtakingly sincere peak of a chorus. It’s use raw emotion broadcasts that serene love songs should never be soppy, but earth-shatteringly soothing. It is followed by All Time Low-esque ‘Reckless’, which proves that voice effects can be used to enhance what is originally recorded without tarnishing its natural quality.

You Me At Six this year

     Featuring guest vocals from Winston McCall of Parkway Drive, ‘Time Is Money’ is dynamic, vigorous and abrasive. McCall’s moment brings the heavier sound You Me At Six were aiming for to the listener’s attention without apology. ‘Little Bit Of Truth’ is, in a word, incredible. It reintroduces strings, dawdling drumming and fantastic lyrics, ‘I just lost control, I just wanted you to know, when I'm on my own I feel invisible...when in front of you I feel invincible.’ The uncomplicated arrangement makes this heartbreaking piece even more astounding. If its poignancy is not enough to make you well up, nothing ever will.

     The penultimate track, ‘The Dilemma’ is the poppiest offering from ‘Sinners Never Sleep’, both lyrically and melodically. It has several spoken elements, You Me At Six’s signature use of repetition, and a breakdown that is unmistakably comparable to Foo Fighters’ ‘The Pretender’ (Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, 2007. ‘When We Were Younger’ is a wonderful conclusion to the album, with continual format and haunting humming worthy of a Radiohead track. ITunes’ exclusive bonus track ‘Takes One To Know One’ is reminiscent of You Me At Six’s older work from the early years, which will be appreciated by older fans and should be welcomed by newer followers.

     ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ bestows the intense and frank light and shade range of songwriting from You Me At Six. Sentimental, scrupulous and strong, the record is full of powerful and passionate ballads combined with intense inputs and candid undertone. The band’s progression from their first studio album to this is phenomenal, and the way the boys have matured has allowed them to create an album boasting the best work technically, that You Me At Six have constructed to date.

5/5