Back when YOUNG GUNS delivered ‘All Our Kings Are Dead’, the band had been itching to release a full length for some time, and it carried all the hallmarks of a band about to break through to the “big time”. Now, following large countless support efforts, a Reading/Leeds Main Stage appearance and a rather impressive headline run, it’s time for that “tricky” second album.
‘Bones’ sees the band retain the darker aspects of their sound from their debut, but this time wildly enhancing the stadium rock leanings they already displayed. On initial listens, ‘Bones’ doesn’t quite deliver the same instant gratification of ‘All Our Kings Are Dead’, but given time to sink in it’s clear that this is YOUNG GUNS in full bloom.
Without doubt, the band have much to prove with ‘Bones’, and the album carries a sense of urgency all the way from from soaring opener ‘I Was Born, I Have Lived, I Will Surely Die’ to meandering closer ‘Broadfields’. Though the scattered downbeat moments pull the momentum down a little, the crashing together of their influences is executely finely alongside careful arrangements and solid work both vocally and instrumentally.
While YOUNG GUNS may not be the most subtle of their contemporaries, they’re one of the few bands on the planet that can not only get away with being a little over the top and dramatic, they can make it an integral part of what they are as well. ‘Bones’ compliments and moves on from their existing body of work, and will no doubt bring in new fans as well as keep a firm grip on those who were already on board.
TOM AYLOTT