The sixth studio album from British rock band You Me at Six takes a daring leap into indie pop, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical territory. Aptly titled VI, the album marks a confident departure from their gritty rock roots, embracing a more upbeat, pop-oriented sound. With a proven track record of chart-topping success and headline arena shows, this latest release demonstrates a fearless attitude—one that suggests they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
In discussing the evolution of their sound, lead vocalist Josh Franceschi reflected on the creative process behind VI, stating, “I felt like we had something to prove. It was one of those where you know you’re good at doing something and then you don’t deliver on it.” He continued, “We’ve always been a band that straddles styles. We’ve always had that pop sensibility, but we’ve tried not to pigeonhole ourselves—that’s come from other people.”
The album’s standout tracks, such as “Fast Forward” and “3AM”, blend infectious synth hooks with driving guitar riffs, proving that You Me at Six haven’t abandoned the elements that made them rock icons. Franceschi’s aggressive, wide-ranging vocals are showcased particularly well on “Straight to My Head”, a catchy, toe-tapping track that’s one of their most pop-infused efforts to date. Meanwhile, “I O U” opens with a bass-heavy verse before transitioning into a hip-hop-inspired chorus, creating an album highlight that is both unexpected and captivating.
You Me at Six have redefined their sound, creating an album that feels just as much for themselves as for their loyal fanbase. You could argue that VI is their most authentic album to date, seamlessly weaving through a variety of genres and delivering a uniquely diverse collection of tracks that will undoubtedly spark the imagination of listeners old and new.
Release Date: October 5, 2018
Record Label: Underdog
Score: 4/5
