Young Guns - Bones
- By Kate Rees -
- Feb 06, 2012
As dazzling a debut as 2010’s ‘All Our Kings Are Dead’ was, it is Young Guns’ second serving ‘Bones’ that truly solidifies their status as the next great big British rock band.
Written and recorded on Thai terrain (Karma Sound Studio), the release captures the Buckinghamshire boys in a confident yet comfortable light that has no doubt come from their extensive touring over the past two years.
Telling tales of the highs and lows of life, the album ignites with anthemic opener ‘I Was Born, I Have Lived, I Will Surely Die’. As powerful as it is poignant, we are presented with a stunning surge of guitars, drums and vocals that sound stronger and more ambitious than ever before.
Spilling similarities into follow-up ‘Dearly Departed’, it is the subsequent title-track that makes a stadium-worthy statement. From the rumbling riffs and bounding beats present throughout to frontman Gustav Woods' chants of “I Feel It In My Bones” and the back up bellows that greet us, the tune is simply waiting to be unleashed at arenas.
Taking it down a few notches, ‘Hymn For All I’ve Lost’ sees the quintet swap their rough and ready rock ‘n’ roll for a mellow method. Effortless, easy-on-the-ears and just over a minute, the song showcases a softer yet equally striking side to the band.
Whilst Young Guns’ slower style continues to make the occasional appearance (‘Everything Ends’, ‘Interlude’ and closer ‘Broadfields’), roaring rock is undoubtedly the underlying rule to this record. Lead single ‘Learn My Lesson’ bravely brushes both approaches, an amalgamation and risk that powerfully pays off.
Taking the group one step closer to the UK rock throne, ‘Bones’ proves to be a memorable 40 minute listen that will attract audiences both old and new. It might only be the start of 2012, but this is no doubt a contender for record of the year.
By Kate Rees. Blogs at southwalessounds.com and tweets at @Kate_E_Rees
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