Looking from the outside in, it would probably be fair to say that You Me At Six have frequently felt the need to prove themselves. Beginning their career as ambitious teens, the band released their debut album 'Take Off Your Colours' to the imminent threat of punk rock purists and keyboard warriors galore. With their second offering 'Hold Me Down', we saw them forced to live up to the hype of major label signings and mainstream radio support, in the hope of pushing themselves further towards a larger audience.

With their third album, 'Sinners Never Sleep', the pressure doesn't appear to be dying down. After recently admitting to internal problems throughout the early years of the band, alongside a rigourous touring schedule whilst dealing with heart-breaking family tragedies, it's inevitable that this was a tough record to make. Nevertheless, it was the right one to make.

In an attempt to combat the 'emo' and 'pop' labels - or stigmas, you could say - so heavily associated with You Me At Six, the five-piece look to have pushed their limits. Whilst songs like 'Loverboy', 'The Dilemma' and 'Reckless' are examples of fantastic pop songs (the latter especially, with it's unforgivably catchy hooks), they sound a little more intense; the opening track laden heavy with bass and crunchy guitars.

Throughout the album we see vocalist Josh Franceschi pushing his voice a little harder, giving every track a more raw feel; some lines even ending in the growls he interjects during their live performances. The musicianship on this album is also incredible - the drums alone are insane on numerous occasions - proving how accomplished this band actually are.

Continuing along the heavier theme are tracks like 'Bite My Tongue' and 'Time Is Money', both of which feature screamed vocal guest appearances and lyrically deal with the hardships the band have endured thus far.

Contrasting with these songs perfectly are the lighter, more mid to slow-paced offerings - such as 'No One Does It Better', 'This Is The First Thing' and 'Crash' - which balance out the album more as a whole. 'Little Death' already sounds huge and will no doubt be spectacluar to watch live, with it standing as one of the band's most mature examples of songwriting so far, whilst echoey closer 'When We Were Younger' is an accomplished experimental attempt, resounding of something very Mogwai-esque. (Seriously, it's impressive.)

Melding together their influences and tastes, You Me At Six have seemingly utilised their love for heavier music, without abandoning the pop-rock roots that convinced so many fans, and all in the face of growing up. 'Sinners Never Sleep' is mature, but not without fun. And whilst it may not yet be enough to convince every doubter thus far, we hope that when Josh Franceschi sings the closing lines, "When I was younger I only dreamed, that when I got older, you'd be proud of me" that he knows we are.

Released 3rd October 2011 on Virgin/EMI Records.

By Sarah Jamieson.