In what is one of the most highly anticipated returns of 2015, Young Guns are back in business this month with the release of Ones And Zeros, the incredible follow up to 2012’s critically acclaimed Bones. This is a band that have worked their hardest to get where they are, and the fanbase they’ve cultivated as a result is well and truly deserved.
The opening to ‘Rising Up‘ can only be described as mystifying – if you’ve ever played Saints Row The Third, it actually sounds similar to the theme – but soon launches in to the phenomenal, raw rock that fans have come to expect from Young Guns over the years. The lyrics are particularly inspiring once the chorus kicks in – “they say that your best ain’t good enough / but don’t bow down when you could be rising up”. For the fact that their audiences are often made up of mostly teenagers, being the voice of reason is something that not only makes Young Guns unique, but also relatable.
Single ‘I Want Out‘ was released nearly a year ago as the first taste of Ones And Zeros, but hearing it in the album setting makes it all the more sweeter. The two other singles from the album ‘Speaking In Tongues‘ and ‘Daylight‘ have earned their rightful place as such too, as they are by far some of the strongest efforts on the entire record. ‘Memento Mori‘ is what could be considered a slightly more watered down take on Young Guns’ standard material as they preach a sound à la The Killers, in the sense that it’s not as heavy but all the more theatrical.
Despite the singles proving themselves as the more solid points, it needs to be said that the album tracks are excellent in their own right. Many album releases suffer with the dreaded filler syndrome, but Young Guns have gone above and beyond here to make sure every single song is thoughtful, powerful and just perfect for their adoring fanbase. ‘Die On Time‘ is a gentler, soulful tune, then there’s the title track which goes off with a bang – both of which playing out the album in an intelligent fashion. The reception from both fans and critics alike has been extraordinary so far, so there’s absolutely no doubt that it won’t impress even the most skeptical of listeners!
