You, Me, and Everyone We Know- So Young, So Insane [EP]Label: Unsigned
Release: November 18, 2008
This wasn’t going to be a secret forever. Maryland’s You, Me, and Everyone We Know made their punch through the America’s stereos, with their re-release earlier in 2008, Party For The Grown and Sexy. While this brought huge publicity to the band, it also may have labeled them. That label would be a “Say Anything cover band.” While many bands would find this attractive, I felt that they didn’t sound anything close to the California natives. The band announced they would be recording a new EP later this year. With some touring here and there, the EP looked doubtful. However, I was wrong.
So Young, So Insane is this promised EP. When first listening to previous recordings, I was wondering if YMEWK would pull away from the Say Anything influence. However, during the first song, ,b>, the band decides maybe this Say Anything talk isn’t that bad. When this demo was released earlier, it lacked a lot of production. The vocals seemed very pale also. These are both filled, when Say Anything’s vocalist Max Bemis makes an appearance. The combination of Bemis and YMEWK vocalist Ben Liebsch really send chills through your spine. However, this Say Anything feel is put on hold throughout the rest of the EP. “A Symptom” showcases the unique writing of the band. The song has a jazzy feel, and is a moving song. This is the story for the rest of the EP.
“Colorful Language” is a sound that You, Me, and Everyone We Know should follow to become a bigger, different sounding band. In this song, it features powerful guitar beats, and at the right time pounding bass drum. Even keyboardist Rico Vigil makes an appearance adding some catchy sounds. This song just has a different feel to it, from previously released YMEWK songs. Finally, the boys recorded a studio version of “Happy Birthday.” This song has been played live over the past year. With the addition of creepy hums, mixed with smooth vocals from Liebsch, this is an instant favorite of mine. The chorus of this song is what really gets this song rolling. When Liebsch belts out “She’s staying up, she’s working hard for the money tonight,” it automatically paints a picture in your mind. This is how you want to end an EP.
While You, Me, and Everyone We Know got rid of most of the Say Anything sounds, the only thing that gets on my nerves is how similar some songs are to other songs. Some songs consist in the same key signature, or sound like previously released work. Another negative is why can’t this be a full length. One would most definitely enjoy this more if it was longer. With all that said, You, Me, and Everyone We Know have to just keep producing their own sound. So Young, So Insane has clarified their unique sound, straying away from the PATD/Say Anything references. You, Me, and Everyone We Know have something to be proud off. This EP solidifies their claim for being the best band to come out of Maryland pop scene ...ever.
Artist: You Me and Everyone We Know
Album: So Young, So Insane
Release Date: November 18th, 2008
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Smartpunk.com
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer
Score: 8.1
