VI (You Me at Six album)

VI is the sixth studio album by English rock band You Me at Six. It was released on 5 October 2018 through Underdog and AWAL.

VI
Studio album by
You Me at Six
Released5 October 2018
RecordedMay 2018
StudioVADA Studios, Alcester, UK
GenrePop rock, dance rock, hard rock
Length33:49
LabelUnderdog, AWAL
Producer
You Me at Six chronology
Night People
(2017)		 VI
(2018)
Singles from VI
  1. "3AM"/"Fast Forward"
    Released: 8 June 2018

Background

You Me at Six released their fifth album Night People in January 2017.[1] Despite reaching number three in the UK, it received a mixed reception from both their fans and critics.[2] Within a week of the album coming out, the band had no management and found themselves stuck in private legal battles.[3] The band were initially ecstatic about the album at its release,[2] however, by August they expressed disdain for it.[4] On a number of occasions while making the album, the members felt complacent when trying to be creative and self-motivating. In addition, they were around people that didn't help stimulate their creativity.[2]

In September, guitarist Max Helyer and vocalist Josh Franceschi revealed they were working on new music[5] at drummer Dan Flint's home studio.[3] The members had conversations whether to revisit the sound of their most successful record Cavalier Youth (2014).[2] Eventually, it reached a point where Franceschi and Flint were content with breaking up the band[6] if they were unable to move forward musically.[2] Sometime afterwards, they went on residential studio writing retreats to The Doghouse in Reading and Monkey Puzzle in Bury St Edmunds.[7] The group then made demos piece-by-piece with loops. Whenever a member came up with an interesting idea, they attempted it before working on another idea. They didn't move on to a new song until the current one they were working on was roughly 50–60% complete.[8]

Production

The band had discussions with various producers, who wanted to record in locations such as Los Angeles, New York City and the south of France.[2] When the group made it clear that they wanted to record in the UK, a number of them were no longer interested.[9] They made some test tracks with two different people before eventually settling on Dan Austin.[2] The band had worked with Austin previously as he engineered the session that resulted in their non-album single "The Swarm" in 2012.[10] Sessions took place at VADA Studios,[10] a residential studio in Alcester, UK;[6] a location chosen as it was far away from everyday distractions of the members' lives.[2] The band co-produced the sessions with Austin. Austin, who shared similar music tastes with the members, understood the band's direction for the album.[8]

While Night People was made akin to a 9–5 job,[2] the band made VI working 14-hour days,[11] pausing only to sleep.[12] They didn't track on a song-by-song basis, opting to work on all of the songs at the same time.[9] The band and Austin used The Weeknd's albums as reference points, especially the low-end sound and the textures on his vocals.[8] If a member wasn't tracking their part, they were able to take a walk around the lakes close by or watch the local football matches.[7] Flint used a lot of his spare time finding loops and particular instrument sounds on his laptop to help expand the songs. They used a number of Telefunken microphones, and mainly a U47 microphone for vocals. A C-12 microphone was used as an overhead for the drums.[8]

Franceschi said Austin felt like a sixth member of band in the way he was hard working and highly enthusiastic about pushing the band. He also mentioned that other producers would have led the band down a musical route that they had already explored.[2] The band and Austin produced all of the songs bar "Pray for Me" (which was produced by Pott) and "Losing You" (which was produced by White). White did additional production on "Fast Forward", while Pott did the same on "Back Again" and "3AM".[13] During the mixing process, the band worked collectively to decide what worked best. Flint built a close friendship with mixing engineer Cenzo Townsend, who Flint would often relay the band's thoughts to.[8] The recordings were then mastered by John Davis at Metropolis Studios.[13] On 25 May 2018, the band announced they had finished working on VI.[14]

Composition

Discussing the album's name VI, Franceschi explained: "There's a feeling within us that we already have our identity, so we don't need to create new one."[11] He said the record featured more hip hop and R&B elements, something that the band had difficulty incorporating successfully with their previous albums.[10] While on their song writing retreats, the members collaborated with acclaimed songwriters Eg White and Joel Pott, and were encouraged to bring their individual influences into the songs.[7] All of songs were written by the band, with lyrics by Franceschi. Additional writing was done to "Fast Forward" and "Losing You" by White, and to "Back Again", "3AM" and "Pray for Me" by Pott.[13] Musically, VI has been classed as pop[15][16][17] and rock,[17] incorporating electronic influences.[18] According to Helyer, the album was influenced by The Weeknd, Two Door Cinema Club and Jess Glynne.[19]

Opening track "Fast Forward" is a rock song that also featured electronic elements. Franceschi claimed the song "really shaped" the album[2] and said it was a self-assessment of his personal life during the Night People cycle.[12] "Back Again" is about recovery from being lost within yourself. Franceschi said the song was stylistic departure for the band, as they wanted to "soundtrack people's weekends."[20] Helyer started the song, and "after four or five bottles of wine one night" he "nailed it" with Franceschi.[21] "I O U" mixed R&B vibes with influence from hip hop musicians that the band enjoyed.[22] "Predictable" evolved from a jam into a song while Franceschi was intoxicated at 3am and began spit balling lyrics.[2] It went through a few different style changes, from reggae to hip hop to rock.[23]

Release

On 5 June 2018, the band's website was altered to include a big countdown clock.[24] The following day, VI was announced for release in October. The album's track listing and artwork were revealed. In addition, "3AM" and "Fast Forward" were made available for streaming.[25] Both of these are released as singles on 8 June.[26][27] On 1 August, a music video was released for "3AM".[28] It was directed by Dan Broadley and filmed at The Mildmay Club in London.[29] The video sees the band going on a night out to three different places and features the band doing a full dance routine at the end. The concept for the video came out after the band watched The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Specifically, the scene where actor Leonardo DiCaprio lives through a split reality while being under the influence. Broadley loved a scene from the while where DiCaprio arrives from home while on drugs, before later revealing the true events that aspired. Broadley adapted it into a scenario where Franceschi performs as an alter-ego of himself. Franceschi worked with Broadley closely to help him boost his confidence in his role in the video.[30] The group struggled with the dance routine, unable to keep in time; the version that appears in the video was edited together from the various takes they filmed.[31]

"I O U" was made available for streaming on 6 August.[22] "Back Again" was made available for streaming on 20 August following a premiere on BBC Radio 1.[20] VI was released on 5 October through the band's own label Underdog Records and AWAL.[25] Some copies included a bonus CD that featured two demos and two acoustic versions of albums tracks. The Japanese edition featured the two acoustic versions as bonus tracks.[32] Franceschi explained that the main reason behind starting Underdog Records was the end-goal of using it as a vehicle to sign artists from different genres.[11] Franceschi said AWAL, a subsidiary of Kobalt, "embodied the spirit" of what the group were trying to do with their Underdog label.[33] On the same day, a music video was released for "Back Again",[34] directed by Broadley.[35] Broadley's treatment for the clip was to pay homage to a cult classic film, namely The Big Lebowski (1998).[36] It features a rumble at a bowling alley and Franceschi's dog getting kidnapped.[34] To promote the album's release, the band performed a series of in-store signings and performances.[37] In November and December, the group went on a headlining UK tour with support from Marmozets and the Xcerts.[38] In January and February 2019, the band embarked on a headlining European tour.[39]

Reception
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic74/100[40]
Review scores
SourceRating
The Arts Desk[16]
Belfast Telegraph7/10[41]
Dead Press![42]
DIY[43]
Gigwise[44]
idobi6/10[45]
Kerrang!4/5[21]
The Music[46]
NME[18]
The Skinny[17]

VI received generally favourable reviews from critics, according to review aggregation website Metacritic.[40]

Track listing

All lyrics by Josh Franceschi. All songs written by You Me at Six. Additional writing on "Fast Forward and "Losing You" by Eg White, and on "Back Again", "3AM" and "Pray for Me" by Joel Pott.[13]

No.TitleProducerLength
1."Fast Forward"
3:14
2."Straight to My Head"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
3:37
3."Back Again"
2:56
4."Miracle in the Mourning"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
3:15
5."3AM"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
  • Pott (add.)
3:34
6."I O U"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
3:31
7."Pray for Me"Pott3:05
8."Predictable"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
3:56
9."Danger"
  • Austin
  • You Me at Six
3:11
10."Losing You"White3:30
Total length:33:49
Japanese bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
11."Back Again" (acoustic) 
12."Fast Forward" (acoustic) 
The VI Sessions bonus CD
No.TitleLength
1."Predictable" (demo) 
2."Danger" (demo) 
3."Back Again" (acoustic) 
4."Fast Forward" (acoustic) 

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.[13]

Charts
Chart (2018) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[47] 73
Scottish Albums (OCC)[48] 8
UK Albums (OCC)[49] 6
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[50] 19

References

Citations

  1. Wilce, Tamsyn (23 November 2016). "You Me At Six Have Moved Their Album Release Date". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  2. O'Connor, Roisin (7 June 2018). "You Me At Six: 'The music industry has no ambition when it comes to rock bands'". The Independent. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. McLaughlin 2018, p. 26
  4. Cross, Will (20 August 2017). "Josh Franceschi On 'Night People': "I Don't Think We Managed To Deliver What We Wanted To"". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  5. Rock Sound 2017, event occurs at 3:30–36
  6. Sayce 2018, p. 11
  7. McLaughlin 2018, p. 29
  8. Gumble, Daniel (4 October 2018). "'We've made a beast': You Me At Six's Dan Flint on producing the band's new album". PSN Europe. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  9. Issa, Chanel (5 October 2018). "YOU ME AT SIX // Firing Straight Sixes". Hysteria. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  10. Shepherd 2018, p. 21
  11. Shepherd 2018, p. 22
  12. "You Me At Six: "We were losing our identity"". Upset. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  13. VI (booklet). You Me at Six. Underdog Records. 2018. YMAS001CD.CS1 maint: others (link)
  14. Jamieson, Brii (26 May 2018). "You Me At Six Are BACK". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  15. Young, David James (5 October 2018). "You Me at Six are breaking all the rules". Mixdown. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  16. Green, Thomas H (3 October 2018). "CD: You Me At Six - VI". The Arts Desk. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  17. Willis, Harriet (4 October 2018). "You Me At Six – VI". The Skinny. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  18. Garman, Tara (5 October 2018). "You Me At Six – 'VI' review". NME. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  19. Copsey, Rob (11 July 2018). "You Me At Six's Max Helyer talks switching up their sound on new album VI: "We feel like a brand new band"". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  20. Jamieson, Brii (20 August 2018). "Check Out This Brand New (And Very Different) You Me At Six Track". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  21. Longbottom 2018, p. 53
  22. Jamieson, Brii (6 August 2018). "You Me At Six Have Released A Surprise Single". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  23. McLaughlin 2018, p. 30
  24. Jamieson, Brii (5 June 2018). "You Me At Six Are Teasing Something". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  25. Jamieson, Brii (6 June 2018). "You Me At Six Are Back With Two New Singles And Details Of Their New Album". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  26. "3AM by You Me At Six". Amazon. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  27. "Fast Forward by You Me At Six". Amazon. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  28. Jamieson, Brii (1 August 2018). "Check Out The Brand New You Me At Six Video For '3AM' + An Exclusive Look Behind The Scenes". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  29. Mylrea, Hannah (1 August 2018). "Behind the scenes of You Me At Six's new music video for '3AM'". NME. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  30. Munro, Scott (2 August 2018). "Follow You Me At Six on a rowdy night out in new 3am video". Louder. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  31. Rose, Anna (27 September 2018). "You Me At Six on branching out for their sixth album". Beat. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  32. VI (sleeve). You Me at Six. Underdog Records. 2018. SICX-112.CS1 maint: others (link)
  33. Garner, George (5 June 2018). "'They embody the spirit of what we're trying to do': You Me At Six launch own label imprint, partner with AWAL". MusicWeek. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  34. Jamieson, Brii (5 October 2018). "You Me At Six Are Back Again, With The Brand New Video For 'Back Again'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  35. You Me At Six (4 October 2018). You Me At Six - Back Again. Retrieved 5 October 2018 – via YouTube.
  36. Johnson, Laura (5 October 2018). "You Me At Six Share Big Lebowski-Inspired Video For Back Again". Stereoboard. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  37. Rogers, Jack (7 September 2018). "You Me At Six Have Announced A String Of In-Store Appearances". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  38. Jamieson, Brii (8 June 2018). "You Me At Six Have Announced A Huge UK Headline Tour". Rock Sound. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  39. Taylor, Sam (10 September 2018). "You Me At Six have confirmed loads more European tour dates for January / February". Upset. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  40. "Critic Reviews for VI". Metacritic. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  41. Reid, Anna (5 October 2018). "Albums of the week: From KT Tunstall to Cher". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  42. Eynon, Jacob (4 October 2018). "Album Review: You Me At Six - VI". Dead Press!. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  43. Tipple, Ben (5 October 2018). "You Me at Six - VI". DIY. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  44. Smith, Anna (4 October 2018). "Album Review: You Me At Six - VI". Gigwise. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  45. Devotta, Sam (4 October 2018). "Album Review: You Me at Six – VI". idobi. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  46. Blackburn, Emily (3 October 2018). "You Me At Six / VI". The Music. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  47. "ARIA Chart Watch #494". auspOp. 13 October 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  48. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  49. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  50. "You Me at Six Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 October 2018.

Sources

  • Longbottom, John (29 September 2018). Coare, Sam (ed.). "Reviews". Kerrang!. London (1741). ISSN 0262-6624.
  • McLaughlin, David (22 September 2018). Coare, Sam (ed.). "True Colours". Kerrang!. London (1740). ISSN 0262-6624.
  • Rock Sound (6 September 2017). You Me At Six - The Stories Behind The Songs (Part 2). Retrieved 3 October 2018 – via YouTube.
  • Sayce, Rob (August 2018). Bird, Ryan (ed.). "Call That a Comeback". Rock Sound. London (241). ISSN 1465-0185.
  • Shepherd, Tom (16 June 2018). Coare, Sam (ed.). "Number of the Beast". Kerrang!. London (1726). ISSN 0262-6624.
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