ALBUM REVIEW: You Me At Six – ‘Truth Decay’

No one does it better: Long live the Kings of emo.

You Me At Six first released their debut album Take Off Your Colours in 2008, 15 years and 7 albums later their 8th record Truth Decay is finally being released into the world February 10th.

The British music scene has changed a lot over the last decade and a half; it’s seen bands come and go, break up and it’s been host to a long list of reunion tours. Some bands, stand the test of time. Thankfully, YMAS are the latter. Despite their last record SUCKAPUNCH, reaching number one in the UK, it could have easily been the last album they would create together. Instead of a breakup though, a new era begins.

Truth Decay is simultaneously a classic You Me At Six album whilst also reintroducing themselves and establishing who they are now. This album encapsulates everything their fans fell in love with albums ago, whilst giving us all a reason to fall in love all over again. They sound like the best, most authentic version of themselves.

So far, they’ve released a handful of singles off the record. Deep Cuts came first, the track that sparked so much excitement, a love song for your friends, dedicated to the people you love going through it and wanting better for them. Mixed Emotions (I Didn’t Know How To Tell You What I was Going Through), is powerful, honest and almost too relatable. Openly discussing mental health issues, the impact the band had on them collectively, individually and everything they have survived together.

Breakdown, offers something completely different. If you ever wanted a high-energy, emo-rap-rock track which showcases another area of Josh’s vocal talents, this one is for you. The pace changes again going straight into Traumatic Iconic, this album keeps you engaged start to finish, and although this track is short in length, it’s huge in impact.

The revival of emo music is something that has driven YMAS forward with Truth Decay, knowing it’s something they can do better than most, heartLESS is proof of why this is such an exciting comeback. It’s a dance track for emo kids, with lyrics that are going to make for unreal singalongs it’s no wonder this has instantly made it onto their setlist.

No Future? Yeah Right, featuring Rou Reynolds from Enter Shikari, is one of the heavier, higher energy tracks on the album. It’s instantly catchy and hearing Josh and Rou sing alongside each other, is so good that you can’t help but wish Rou featured a little more on the track.

This album is proof of how brilliant they are instrumentally as well as vocally; drums, guitar, bass, and vocals all have their standout moments on the record, but it’s a testament to how well they work together as a collective. Love In The After Hours, Who Needs Revenge When I’ve Got Ellen Rae and :mydopamine: really showcase their instrumental abilities.

The album ends on another collaboration, A Love Letter To Those Who Feel Lost, featuring Cody Frost, who recently collaborated with Enter Shikari. Although they’re ending the album on a slower number, Cody’s contribution to the track ensures that it’s still a strong finish to the album.

Truth Decay is You Me At Six reclaiming what’s theirs, but it’s also a brand new chapter. For the last few years it has seemed like they have sometimes been a little lost, but You Me At Six are back where they should be and the future of this band is so exciting.

The boys are currently on tour across the UK in support of the new record. With most shows sold out, be sure to grab tickets to remaining shows if you want to hear some of these new tracks live for the first time. Truth Decay is out this Friday, pre order the album here.