Artist: You, Me, And Everyone We Know
Album: Things Are Really Weird Right Now
Genre: Pop/Rock
Label: TopShelf Records

You, Me, And Everyone We Know are sadly no longer a band, but they do have a new release for you to enjoy. Arriving just days after news of their breakup, Things Are Really Weird Right Now couldn’t be more perfectly titled if the boys in YMAWK tried. From battles with depression and alcoholism to re-imaginings of classic tracks, this EP is the perfect way to remember a band that disappeared far too soon.

“There Was A Thump, Then Another” kicks things off with a folk-laden pop jam that could have easily been on the band’s debut. Vocalist Ben Leibsch definitely takes the spotlight here with his booming voice and beautifully twisted wordplay, but its the band’s accompaniment that make it something you’ll remember. Likewise, the simple “Sad Bastard Music” works mainly because of the band’s ability to create something memorable with little effort. There is nothing genre-defying here, nor anything our of the norm, just great songs with catchy accompaniment and enough heart to make The Grinch fall in love.

Following this impressive opening with an even better closing half, “Things Are Really Weird Right Now” wastes no time reminded You, Me, And Everyone We Know fans why they listened in the first place. Amazingly well crafted lyrics are greeted with equally well orchestrated music to create an instant poprock classic. Seriously, this may be the best song the band created in their entire time together and following it with a stripped down rendition of “Some Things Don’t Wash Out” couldn’t be more perfect. The flow is seamless, but is definitely cut far too short.

I know this may seem short, but four songs is hardly the kind of source material that spurs lengthy critical analysis. Things Are Really Weird Right Now perfectly captures a band that was going places and leaves you wishing time could be turned back. However, the fact remains that this is (most likely) the last You, Me, And Everyone We Know release we’ll cover and that’s simply depressing. If only bands with healthy relationships could create music this good, maybe the industry could finally find salvation.

Score: 9/10
Review written by: James Shotwell

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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