Young Guns
Bones

Second work for the Young Guns. After the successful debut with "All Our Kings Are Dead", the English band returns to the spotlight with "Bones", earning them the cover of Kerrang! in February. Given their polished look and melodic appeal evident from their early days, it was not hard to expect a slightly softer and more immediate album, yet this only marginally affects the final result.

It starts with the strong "I Was Born, I Have Lived, I Will Surely Die", one of the most successful opening tracks on the album, which takes its name from the track of the same name "Bones"—the first single released, immediately convincing with a striking chorus from the very first listens. Amid the interlude "A Hymn for All I’ve Lost", two excellent tracks stand out: "Towers (On My Way)" and "You Are Not". Particularly, the latter, despite its slow and thus markedly melodic pace, does not come across as ingratiating or predictable. Among filler tracks, the second single "Learn My Lesson" consistently maintains the album's appeal. A classic track that we will probably soon hear on Virgin Radio, it’s a pleasure to listen to, also thanks to the solid contribution of drummer Ben Jolliffe, who was already at good levels on the previous album, keeping attention alive even during flat moments. The album's conclusion offers a decent finale, also thanks to the ever high and vibrant tones of leader Gustav Wood and the semi-acoustic performance of "Broadfields".

Without particular accolades, the Young Guns enjoy their moment in the ever-prolific scene of British rock, with its brief 38 minutes "Bones" carves out a space of its own among the releases to watch at the beginning of 2012, the year of their consecration even at the live level for the London band, which is touring the UK as the opening act for their more famous Welsh 'cousins' Lostprophets. Who knows if there will be room for a stop in Italy. In the meantime, I recommend listening to "Bones" just to 'make' a bit of the bones. I know, this was predictable, but the album is less so.