The release of Night People marked a milestone for You Me At Six.
Joining forces with music giant BMG, the band unleashed a rock album that attempted to propel them beyond the confines of Kerrang! covers and Radio 1 playlists. ‘Doesn’t sound too confining’, I hear you cry. Yet, even in a digital age where genres have become more fluid than ever and the internet connects bands with increasingly broad audiences, ‘the mainstream’ remains territory few rock bands inhabit.
But You Me At Six are fighters. Between frontman Josh Franceschi instigating a long-overdue war on ticket touts and their desire to do right by their fans, the band’s fierce determination could never be denied.
2017 has proved the next phase in their masterplan. Night People represents a clever evolution, leaving 2014’s Cavalier Youth in its wake. Think less pop hooks and more attitude. The tracks, crafted by a mixture of fringe writers and surefire rock producers, are diverse yet mature, making for the perfect setlist additions to last night’s homecoming show at Alexander Palace.
The venue’s grandeur is undeniable, transplanting an atmosphere not too dissimilar to a festival, into the cavernous London space. And in true festival spirit, it’s something that led to wavering sound quality at times, with surging basslines and drum fills drowning out roaring guitar solos and catchy toplines.
Frontman Josh Franceschi brought the fire – despite an ongoing throat infection that saw his vocal chords crying by the end of the set. Opening with the album’s title track “Night People”, a sea of fans were soon hoisted onto the shoulders of their companions as cries of “Save Me” echoed in unison. With nods to the ugly presence of Donald Trump and a casual Beyoncé quote from Franceschi, the set combined fan favourites like “Underdog” and “Save It For The Bedroom” with the band’s new material. With a fanbase as loyal as any we’ve seen, the show was set to go down a storm, whatever the weather.
Is Night People a revolutionary album? Honestly, no. But what it does do is see the band flexing their musical muscles under the guidance of BMG, edging this quintet in a new direction, and opening their sound to a wider demographic than ever before.
