A little over a month ago, British rock band You Me At Six released their fourth studio album, Cavalier Youth. Being a fan of the band, I immediately went onto iTunes as soon as I could to purchase it. YMAS, already being a staple in the current UK rock scene, had many high expectations to meet with this album, including mine.
In comparison to their last album, Sinners Never Sleep, this album is a bit more subdued and “safe.” However, it definitely has a sound that one would associate with large venue concerts. With this album, YMAS has moved a bit further away from their punk-pop roots into more of a traditional alt-rock style. This slight change of genre gives the album a lighter tone; less dark and dreary than previous albums.
The lead single off the album, Fresh Start Fever, is catchy, easy to listen to and to get into, but almost quintessential to both their genre and to current trending themes in music. That being said, it has a good meaning behind it and is a good motivational track. For me, Cavalier Youth‘s best tracks would have to be Win Some, Lose Some and Wild Ones. Aside from the cheesy Hunger Games reference in Win Some, Lost Some, these are two really great songs.
The one problem I have with the album is the general theme. It’s all about growing up and being young and seems to almost have a YOLO-esque overlay to the lyrics, especially the song Carpe Diem, but then again, the term “carpe diem”, or “seize the day” is basically the original “YOLO”. To me, it seems a little bit pretentious in a sense, although relatable. This album was definitely made to have a greater appeal to a younger audience and if that was the point, they got it spot-on. However, YMAS has produced music that still has a universal appeal and that listeners of all ages can enjoy and appreciate.
Overall, I really do like this album and can confidently say that it has a place in my music library. I would recommend it to pretty much anyone, considering it’s not too heavy and has a sound that most people can enjoy in one way or another.
