An increased touring schedule and overcoming an almost break up culminated in the release of 2011’s Sinners Never Sleep, beefing up You Me At Six’s sound and proving the band were more than just another pop-rock act. Three years later and their latest release, Cavalier Youth has failed to capitalise on the growth and power of its predecessor. While all the vital You Me At Six elements are present; pop sensibilities, edgy rock, and their knack for crafting a great ballad, they have been executed in a way that feels too formulaic, lacking any real kick-in-the-pants-memorable-moments and stopping Cavalier Youth from making the leap from good to great.
The album isn’t without its highlights, first two singles Lived A Lie and Fresh Start Fever or the catchy Love Me Like You Used To bullseye the target, but for the most part the album is mediocre- an easy listen but without the confidence or risk taking we have come to expect from a You Me At Six release. After an album that was spiteful and dark, Cavalier Youth is anthemic, optimistic and hopeful. Tracks like Hope For The Best and Carpe Diem embody this sentiment, giving the album a youthful, carefree ambience. But expectation has a lot to do with why this album is enjoyable but only passable.
While Sinners Never Sleep was full of risks, Cavalier Youth feels a lot safer, playing on what the band does well but without any real boldness. The result is a catchy and easily digestible album, yet not the standout record we were waiting for. There is evidence of growth and a handful of impressive tracks but overall Cavalier Youth isn’t a memorable release.
BY GLORIA BRANCATISANO
Best Track: Fresh Start Fever
If You Like These You’ll Like This: PARAMORE, FALL OUT BOY, MAYDAY PARADE
In A Word: Hopeful
