You Me at Six - Hold Me Down

[Chris Fallon]

You Me at Six - Hold Me Down
Release Date: March 16, 2010
Record Label: Virgin

If the scene were a shower drain, it'd certainly need weekly fixes of Drano to unclog the pipes for every pop-rock band that shuffles their way into the mix. Not to mention the massive amount of hair buildup that would gather at the bottom (is that a dead badger or Jac Vanek's wig?). You Me at Six are one of the few international acts to spring up over the past couple years, presenting a familiar touch of gravitas with a shiny, well-constructed offering to satisfy the masses who flock to street team signups like police sirens to Lil'Wayne's hot tub.

Hold Me Down is the band's by-the-numbers follow-up to 2008's Take Off Your Colours, which in itself was no spectacular achievement. Basic pop chords over a flurry of orchestrated production lead to big results in their homeland (England), and eventually scored them a major-label deal with Virgin. The songs are still as trite as before, albeit a little heavier, a bit splashier... but lack the charm of their debut. You see, You Me at Six are beginning to nudge their way into an overcrowded market and it's becoming a chore to tell all these acts apart. The thematic material is all steam but no lust, the hooks are run-of-the-mill and by the time it hits its climax, it's generic centerpiece feels unfulfilled. "The Consequence" strives to be a landmark opener but staggers in its middle-school wordplay. "Underdog" triumphs as a serious potential hit, and while "Liquid Confidence" might be a tad overzealous and downright demeaning ("If one can drink can make tonight slip your mind, then you should drink up so you can convince yourself that I'm cute"), vocalist Josh Franceschi maneuvers the melody enough to give it some life. "Safe To Hate Her" and "Contagious Chemistry," however, play it safe by being banal, tiresome cliches of previous tracks. Awkward sexuality lurks its way into vague lyrics ("This love is dirtier than you think"), and upon several occasions, the content is so unapologetically vague, you feel as if not even Franceschi knows exactly what he's talking about ("When we die, do we feel alive" is randomly placed into a song about forcing one's self to stay out of love with a girl one is fearful of losing).

Part of the problem is the songs blend together. None of the other band members, save for Franceschi, get the chance to prevail on their own and make themselves heard. Like many of their peers, what the demographic is looking for are lyrics to post on Twitter, not musical interludes or artistic experimentation to feel inspired by. You get exactly what you expect, and that's ultimately the tragic flaw in Hold Me Down: every piece of the puzzle is largely making up the same picture. Once you realize it's a painting of an ordinary blue sky, you simply want to get up and find something that challenges you. You Me at Six do have the means necessary to shake up this current crop: they have the melodies, the talent... it just needs to be leveled off and given some breathing room. For a band that postures enough beacons of hope, it's frustrating to find out they can't even muster up the courage to be let up when they're obviously remaining held down.

Cartel; The Audition; Mayday Parade; Red Jumpsuit Apparatus; This Providence"Underdog," "Liquid Confidence" and "Fireworks"

Official Site (http://www.youmeatsix.co.uk) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/youmeatsix)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038YP83E?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepun02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0038YP83) | iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hold-me-down/id357289661)

[xapplexpiex]

Great writing.
I like their debut and I heard this is supposed to be even better. Yeah, the lyrics aren't the best in the world, but I still like them :shrug:

[aradiantsunrise]

Good review, Chris. I actually love this album though, sure it's generic and all but I just find it to be a great pop rock record. What did you think of the song There's No Such Thing as Accidental Infidelity? Definitely my favorite track.

[Matthew Tsai]

I agree with the score and the points you made. These guys are definitely just another generic pop-punk band.

[vivatoto56]

Couldn't disagree more in this instance.

I've always loved Josh's lyrics because I feel like he writes about whatever the hell he wants. I never get the feeling that he's trying to hard.

I don't know how you can't mention fireworks (although I do see you put it in the choice cuts). That song just blew me away. The last minute is unbelievable.

Although none of the songs touch the strength of Tigers and Sharks, and the epic Always Attract.

Good review, I just disagree.

[Croggs]

Nothing groundbreaking, but I really dig this record. I have probably spun this disc about 20 times, and I'm still not tired of it. I'm a sucker for catchy music, even if the lyrical content is pretty weak.

[Argentine]

I've never heard alot from this band not counting some songs off their old material. Not really a fan.

[Rynaldo]

Thanks alot Chris, I have been saying this hasnt been all that great for a while and people strongly disagreed with me.At least someone agrees with be thats its very medicore.

[Smeee]

Exactly how I feel about this release and band. I enjoy some songs on Hold Me Down but none of the new album stuck with me.

[holybatmon]

Shit band that's only big because of their singer's hair. Sucks that shit like this gets big in the UK but bands like Deaf Havana and Reuben struggle(d) to make any money whatsoever.

[Memphis]

they're still some pretty good tracks on the record...

[josse]

I disagree so much. I love this album. The only thing is that I think it's a bit overproduced. But I've had the cd for some time (since it came out in UK) and listen to it atleast 3 times a week. Am I getting tired of it? No, I won't ever.
(And no, I don't dig them because of Joshs hair. I don't give a damn about it.)

[headlightspavem]

This is a really great review.

[Numero10]

I disagree with just about everything in this review but how could you say nobody else prevails? Matt Barnes is brilliant on bass.

[Numero10]

I wrote a more positive review if anyone is interested.

[Trashy]

Kids in Glass Houses > You Me at Six

[SimplePlan2k8]

Fireworks truly is one of the greatest songs I have ever heard, that's reason enough to buy this album :)

[Ryan Gardner]

Good review; I agree with your thoughts.

[fobmcrafi6]

i m with this guy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1576692) for the album review... sorry chris... i just feel like you re trying to critique their personalities/appearance not their music.

[mark29]

More solid than the first album but my favourite ymas songs are the singles they released between albums.

[tyramail]

i love this album a lot. i love josh's lyrics.

[Steve Henderson]

Man, this album is really good, IMO. I think these guys have the "it" factor other pop/rock bands just don't have.

Plus, "Liquid Confidence" is one of my favorite tracks of the year.

[georgedcc]

Shit band that's only big because of their singer's hair. Sucks that shit like this gets big in the UK but bands like Deaf Havana and Reuben struggle(d) to make any money whatsoever.
Yeah I really miss Reuben. Tragic really that bands like Aereogramme, Yourcodenameis:Milo, Hell Is For Heroes and Blakfish have to split up because more people are interested in hearing You me at six's new album.

[aradiantsunrise]

Man, this album is really fucking good, IMO. I think these guys have the "it" factor other pop/rock bands just don't have.

Plus, "Liquid Confidence" is one of my favorite tracks of the year.
Agreed!

[aradiantsunrise]

Shit band that's only big because of their singer's hair. Sucks that shit like this gets big in the UK but bands like Deaf Havana and Reuben struggle(d) to make any money whatsoever.
I like Deaf Havana but they are just as generic in their style of music as YMAS is in theirs. Both bands do it well though.

[Mikeallover]

This band is great. Good thing people like you waste their time writing reviews about bands they dont like..

[Steve Henderson]

This band is great. Good thing people like you waste their time writing reviews about bands they dont like..
That doesn't really make sense. Reviews should be both positive and negative. Hence the difference between a review and a press release.

[amii_G]

Disagree.

[Yellowcard2006]

Great review

[S9Dallasoz]

Still a big step from the debut.

[S9Dallasoz]

Kids in Glass Houses > You Me at Six
& this.

[Spenny]

Weird, I thought the review for this album would completely overrate it.

I completely agree. It is by no means terrible, but it is awfully generic and forgettable.

[HometownHero]

Easily the most forgettable album of the year

[ndoleman]

Man, this album is really good, IMO. I think these guys have the "it" factor other pop/rock bands just don't have.

Plus, "Liquid Confidence" is one of my favorite tracks of the year.
100% agree. This band definitely has it. I love this album. Every single song. And I didnt even like their debut record.

[eriatarka24]

It's not THAT bad, but it's not great either.

Tracks I keep going back to - Underdog, Playing the Blame Game, Stay With Me, Take Your Breath Away and Trophy Eyes.

[brenByah]

Couldn't possibly disagree more. Pretty much with everything. I think this is far better than their first release and one of the best albums of 2010 so far :shrug: I certainly think they're not another generic pop punk band, they're far better.

[cwhit412]

I love Trophy Eyes.
Other than that, it's okay.
But Trophy Eyes is a damn amazing song.

[Aneurisms07]

Man, this album is really good, IMO. I think these guys have the "it" factor other pop/rock bands just don't have.

Plus, "Liquid Confidence" is one of my favorite tracks of the year.
I feel exactly the same way. Something just feels different about them, compared to every other pop/punk act. "Liquid Confidence" is such a great song.

The lyrics are definitely a weak spot, though.

[Young Machetes]

I liked this album :shrug:

I'd gladly listen to this album on repeat than anything by Sing It Loud, Every Avenue, and 90% of all the other pop bands around.

[Metal Now]

I've tried so hard to like this band. I've seen them three times. I just cannot enjoy their music. I this review in completely fair.

[holybatmon]

I like Deaf Havana but they are just as generic in their style of music as YMAS is in theirs. Both bands do it well though.
No. YMA6 don't do it well. Deaf Havana have James- one of the best fucking singers in their genre. They Call It The Easy Life beats the shit out of anything this UK ATL wannabe's could ever fucking put out.

[lynnie]

A balanced, fair review! This is an awesome band with great tunes. It has to be one of my top records of the year!! I can't stop playing it. It gets me up in the morning and I feel like I can grab the world by the short and curlys. They sound awesome live too and deliver, that is why they are so successful. Love it! :nod:

[Drew Beringer]

That doesn't really make sense. Reviews should be both positive and negative. Hence the difference between a review and a press release.
still amazes me that people don't understand this haha

[Drew Beringer]

also I loved the debut, this hasn't really done anything for me.

[Ryan Gardner]

also I loved the debut, this hasn't really done anything for me.
I feel the same way.

[studskalny]

I agree..good review. I've tried pretty hard to give this album a chance but it's just not standing out.

[npmshah]

Didn't Jac Vanek used to work for this site?

[Naenia]

I thought this was a really really well written review, I can definitely see where you're coming from too and I agree (to an extent).

[Goat01]

Their debut is great, I'm still letting this one grow on me.
It has potential, it'll take a few more listens, but I like it so far.

[fkinglascivious]

Good review.

[sweetforever]

Really enjoy this album, Stay With Me is my favorite song off of it

[Chiodosbros13]

Well written review
however I don't think I've ever disagreed more with a review on here
this cd has been one the best cds I've heard all year
well to each his own I guess

[KatastrophiE]

playing the blame game....i dunno if anyone else enjoyed the track as much as i did. but from 2:10 to like 2:30 i dig a lot. Oh ya, and the rest of the track is good too

[bankrom]

Man, this album is really good, IMO. I think these guys have the "it" factor other pop/rock bands just don't have.

Plus, "Liquid Confidence" is one of my favorite tracks of the year.
better than 'take off your colours'?

[Sherrice]

one of the lowest ratings i've seen in a while.

for some reason the the top of the album art kinda looks like a fucked up frog.

[CaptainJacksHat]

Just seen these guys last month. The live show does the record more justice. If you're headed to Warped this year make sure you check them out, if you haven't already. Do not pass judgement based solely on the CD. You'll be missing out.

Also; this album is far inferior to Kids In Glass Houses sophomore attempt; DIRT. Kids are better live also. Check it out!

[Numero10]

Just seen these guys last month. The live show does the record more justice. If you're headed to Warped this year make sure you check them out, if you haven't already. Do not pass judgement based solely on the CD. You'll be missing out.

Also; this album is far inferior to Kids In Glass Houses sophomore attempt; DIRT. Kids are better live also. Check it out!
I disagree, I saw YMAS and KIGH on the same bill and YMAS totally stole the show, and I haven't heard DIRT yet but the singles didn't exactly grab me. Smart Casual was brilliant though

[CaptainJacksHat]

You me at six just seemed bored when i saw them. No crowd interaction. Josh barely moved. They had several layers as a stage layout and barely used them. KIGH were energetic, pitch perfect.. kinda. Plus stayed for drinks with the fans afterwards! DIRT'S best songs are one's that aren't gonna be used as singles i have to say. Don't get me wrong though i love YM@6.

[songydarko]

As others said, no it's not some spectacular unique record. But I think it's really catchy and enjoyable. I don't think it deserves that low of a score at all. I'm not super huge on this style of music but I truly like what they've put out, including this album.

[jhotmann21]

i thought it was a decent album...but i cant listen to liquid confidence because during the chorus his voice sounds like nickelback.

[Midgar777]

It's a pretty good album but it's not really my cup of tea :D

[SingMeInsomnia]

Underdog is about the only song I like. On a sidenote, impressed with the seven in a row.