Since releasing their debut album Take Off Your Colours in 2008 and the heavier Sinners Don’t Sleep in 2011, You Me At Six are a monolith in the post-hardcore scene, playing at the likes of Reading Festival and Download over the years. However, their 2017 album Night People was a drab collection of pretentious stadium rock songs with no atmosphere. Seemingly out to prove a point, they released a new song, ‘I.O.U’ earlier this month off their upcoming album VI.
‘I.O.U’ contains elements of R n’ B to create a slow jam. Initially, it feels a bit lifeless until the thumping kick drum enters the mix in the middle of the track. Both the drums and the big guitars inject some passion into the track. The band appear to have taken an influence from Arctic Monkeys, especially in the chorus where Josh Franceschi sings: “‘Cause I owe you, you, you.”
‘I.O.U’ shows the bands’ willingness for trying new things has gradually improved their sound. While the track may not reinvent the wheel on a general scale, it is sure to be an instant hit with You Me At Six fans.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos