Versus You: Moving On

Artist: Versus You
Title: Moving On
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 21st July 2014
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

I'm going to open this review by giving you the low-down on this record very concisely: if you like honest, authentic punk rock influenced by the likes of Banner Pilot, then you're going to absolutely love Moving On. If you wouldn't put yourself in that group, then it's still likely you're going to find more than enough to enjoy here.

Hailing from Luxembourg, perhaps hardly known for it's punk rock scene, Versus You have recently signed to Bomber Music and are releasing this, their fourth album, towards the end of July, backing it up with a UK tour. As a band, Versus You have been known for their hard-working, constantly-touring style, and have become one of the best-known punk bands on the European circuit.

Moving On, however, could well be their breakthrough into the UK scene. The record starts with When It All Goes Down, which opens with a fusion of European and US pop-punk styles, before settling into a pacy rhythm. It immediately catches the listener, carrying them along in the sheer blissful abandon the song creates perfectly. In fact, I'm struggling to type this easily: it's a real struggle to keep my head still listening to it! The track combines all the necessary elements of a brilliant punk track perfectly.

There's so much to enjoy in this album that it's difficult to pick out individual songs to write about. Each song sounds unique enough to add a huge level of interest as you go through the record, but still retains the clear Versus You style, a rare talent. At times, Moving On has a bit of an old-school feel (a good example of this being Skinny and Distracted, which sounds like it could have come out in 2004), but it works brilliantly, actually offering fond, throwback memories. It feels like you've re-discovered your old favourite record again.

I want to mention the final track on the album, too,  You Are My Friend. It's not a unique thing for a punk band to offer a slower, more emotionally engaging song as part of a record, but Versus You's version of this is definitely stand-out. Eric's slightly drawling vocal works perfectly being drawn out into the longer notes, and the slightly slowed-down style adds a lazy feel to the song.

One That Can See is another song worthy of a mention (as said previously, they're all outstanding, but I have to pick and choose!). It's a passionately delivered, raucous track which shows Versus You have a huge amount of variety in their repertoire (the chorus has some complex, layered drums), while Eric's vocal breaks to offer a rougher style. It's a really catchy track again and one which you'll love the first time you hear. Stay Down, Stay Strong, too has a stunning chorus with the cymbal rustle and hugely addictive singing.

Overall, this is up there with one of the best albums of 2014. It's unassuming, humble and honest, and essentially, hugely authentic. It's the sound of four friends doing something they love, and that love can almost be heard in each and every track. It's catchy and good fun, and definitely a record to pick up as soon as it's out.



Versus You tour the UK from 18th - 26th July. Head over to http://bombermusic.limitedrun.com/products/528789-versus-you-moving-on-cd-and-vinyl-lp-and-dl to buy the record.