Opening their eighth studio album Truth Decay with ‘Deep Cuts’, a song featuring a hook more than a little derivative of ‘Can’t Stop’, You Me At Six somehow manage to avoid a lawsuit from Anthony Keidis. Moving even further in the jangly pop direction than previous album Suckapunch, the record is littered with soaring choruses and soft melodies layered with electronic elements. Very easy on the ears and definitely more pop than pop punk or alternative, there’s some generic uninteresting tracks just wash on by without leaving much impact, but amongst them the occasional sparkle that stands out from the pack.
‘God Bless The 90s Kids’ is an infectious instant singalong banger which stands up amongst the band’s biggest tracks over their rich history and is sure to be a fan favourite. With its catchy chorus melody line and lyrics that reference the heydey of pop punk, it’s a nostalgic fun rollick through the past which is immediately pit-ready.
‘No Future? Yeah Right’ is helped along by Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds. Adding that inimitable Shikari style to a track that already has some of the band’s vibes, it blends upbeat electronic elements with some punchy guitars. Final track ‘A Love Letter To Those Who Feel Lost’ featuring rising star Cody Frost is a beautiful way to end the record, leaving a memorable impression thanks to her stunning vocal performance which blends so well with Josh Franceschi’s. Their vocals work exceptionally well together and give the record a much needed lift and boost for the soaring, pretty finale.
The almost-rapping on ‘Ultraviolence’ is a little corny at times but the rest of the track is actually pretty good and has a darker, more impactful vibe to it with a satisfying melody on the chorus, although Franceschi should stick to singing. ‘HeartLESS’ doesn’t exactly contain the most innovative lyrical content in the world but it’s annoyingly catchy as is ‘my:dopamine’. It’s cringy and, on paper, bad, but still kind of works.
Overall, it’s an album with ups and downs. Some key highlights and some more forgettable moments with not much fresh ground being broken and smatterings of over indulgence.
There’s not an immediate ‘play it again’ vibe but it’s one that grows on you, and there’s certainly a few earworms you’ll find humming a few days later. Not every old fan of the band will be along for the new YMAS ride but they may just pick up some fresher faced new fans along the way.