You And Me At Six - Hold Me Down

Since 2007 You Me At Six have risen rapidly into becoming a mainstream success. Following the release of the triumphant debut album Take Off Your Colours, the five Surrey boys moved to Reading. Here they began the recording process of their next album - Hold Me Down, released through Virgin Records, at Outhouse Studios.
It’s filled with emotion and feelings of jealously, anger and hurt, expressed through the passionate lyrics of vocalist Josh Franceschi. Franceschi faced some difficulties while writing lyrics for the new album, having just split with his girlfriend at the time. His thoughts on the breakup appear a reoccurring theme throughout the album.
Drummer Dan Flint believes the release of Hold Me Down to be the bands “make or break time”. The title Hold Me Down comes from the line ‘you hold me down by keeping me around’ in the song Playing The Blame Game. In an interview with Kerrang!, Franceschi explains that “although Hold Me Down sounds like a negative title, it’s actually saying ‘you can’t hold me down because I can still do this!”
The Consequence is a powerful opening track to the album which was made available as a free download from the band’s official website. The Blackout’s Sean Smith accompanies on the track with screaming vocals during the repeated lyrics: “I’ve got real big plans and such bad thoughts” that conclude the song. Guest vocals also include Kids In Glass Houses’ Aled Phillips in There’s No Such Thing As Accidental Infidelity.
Underdog is the first single from the album. It’s short but passionate and has a lot to say for itself, which is reflected in the storyline of the music video. The addictive Playing The Blame Game is another potential single, upbeat and catchy mixed with a more aggressive sound. Liquid Confidence and Fireworks are soft rock ballads with strong, meaningful lyrics.
Hold Me Down isn’t short of sing-along-songs with big catchy hooks in songs like Stay With Me and Safer To Hate Her.
As a band they have grown both musically and lyrically, they have created something to be proud of. Fans will not be disappointed as they prove they are not just another pop-
punk band, they are headed for bigger and better things. You Me At Six are already set to headline London’s Brixton Academy in March. The rest of 2010 looks promising, who knows where this album will take them next.

Becky Davis