REVIEW: YOU ME AT SIX AT THE GREAT HALL, CARDIFF (23/03/12)
You Me at Six are no strangers to performing in Cardiff, having supported a variety of touring artists and headlined a variety of venues in the city on numerous of occasions. This was an occasion like no other for You Me At Six’s clan to claim the streets of Cardiff. Many fans could be found queuing outside The Great Hall from early hours, in order to meet the band as they arrived at the venue. As door opening approached, the queue to hijack the venue is at a ridicules length, with many fans desperately left searching for spare tickets to attend.
Shortly after the doors opened, The Skints are left with the difficulty of kick-starting the show and do everything they can to fire the crowd up. The band from London fills the venue with their unique blend of their ska reggae sounds. As The Skints leave the stage its clear to see they have won over a few new fans.
Florida favourites Mayday Parade are up next, the pop punk group are filled with tremendous energy and play notable fan favourites ‘Black Cat’ and ‘When I Get Home You’re So Dead’ as well as a few of their newer hits. The band have the younger crowd in their hands throughout their small set however, are slightly let down by a lead singer whose voice is less than amazing throughout their set.
Next up are Welsh favourites Kids in Glass Houses who could have sold this venue out on their own, however this occasion they are happy to shake off some rust and casually support. Bursting on stage with the energetic ‘Sunshine’, Front man Aled Phillips demonstrates why his voice is one of the most uniquely talented on the music scene right now. After several years of touring they’ve clearly defined their show and perfected the alternative rock sound. Give Me What I Want’, ‘Saturday’ and ‘Fisticuffs’ turn up the heat and the crowd response is fantastic.
Anticipation was now through the roof as You Me at Six approach the stage. As the opening from ‘Loverboy’ is chanted the crowd erupt with excitement as the anticipation is over. As the band burst with excitement, dominating cheers from the audience is arguably louder than the band. Despite Josh Franceschi notable voice constraints, the songs sounded great and belted out a vocally sound 18-song set with enthusiasm, jumping and dancing around on-stage almost continuously.
The show had something for fans old and new – the set included the title track from the band’s debut album Take Off Your Colours and single Finders Keepers, which You Me At Six followed up by performing new song The Swarm live for the first time. The five-piece band don’t forget their back catalogue and perform tracks from all three previous albums including crowd pleasers such as ‘Take Off Your Colours’ and ‘Finders Keepers’.
This band has developed a reputation for their live shows and don’t hold off throughout their set, incredible interaction and the same energy as what the crowd is giving clearly show those in attendance why the band have this staggering reputation and a huge following. Every song in their set received a great reaction and sing-a-long. ‘The Consequence’’ and ‘Liquid Confidence’ created echoing sing-along’s throughout the headline set.
After leaving the stage for a brief encore, the band returned to the stage to perform ‘Bite My Tounge’ to end the night on a high! With the band headlining Download and lined up for numerous festival appearances, You Me at Six won’t be forgotten in the UK anytime soon.
Words and photo: Mike Lewis
