Live review: You Me At Six @ The Key Club, Leeds, 10/10/18

Last week, Surrey five-piece You Me At Six stripped it back and went old school for their dedicated fans by playing in the tiny new venue that is The Key Club, Leeds.

The Key Club plays a special role in You Me At Six’s story as lead singer Josh Franceschi told us, “we released our first album on Slam Dunk Records” - a northern label that hosts festivals around the country and gives a platform to alt-rock bands. The venue is said to be owned by the label making Wednesday night a little bit more special for the Surrey boys.

The atmosphere was strange; a full band in a gig setting with hardcore fans expecting a classic You Me At Six live set but it was more like a live lounge. The band performed for thirty minutes, five tracks, four tasters of the brand-new album, VI, and an oldie to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the debut album, Take Off Your Colours.

Opening the set was the album opener ‘Fast Forward’; a perfect introduction to the record that is punchy and fierce. You Me At Six stripped it back to its bare bones, taking away its force post-production and executing it in an acoustic style perfectly. While different to the record, the audience lapped up the stripped back version just as much.

‘Back Again’, a more pop-like track from the album got people dancing, exuded a positive atmosphere throughout the venue. Josh Franceschi’s frontman persona has become incredibly confident, personal yet professional, since the early days of the band and it was a delight to see the band in their full potential.

With only three tracks left, they chose wisely. ‘3AM’ saw the entire audiences’ phones raise while ‘Straight To My Head’ has become a fast-growing popular track on streaming sites, according to Josh.

The night ended with ‘Always Attract’ - a track that the old fans knew well. Again, the room was greeted with a raising of phones and extreme sing-a-longs; something You Me At Six have always had an incredible ability to incite in their audiences.