These days, it’s difficult to find Rock and Roll in its purest form, especially in an era where rock is not king. However, a wave of modern British Invasion bands have produced some acts that have reinvigorated the scene, most notably, Brighton-born rock duo, Royal Blood.  Small but mighty, with an unconventional lineup,  Royal Blood are fueled by the powerful pair Mike Kerr (vocals/bass) and Ben Thatcher (drums/vocals). Over the last decade-plus as a band, they have climbed the ranks with 3 albums: Royal Blood (2014), How Did We Get So Dark? (2017), Typhoons (2021), and now, they welcome their 4th studio album Back to the Water Below via Warner Music. 

Bass distortion/effects, undeniable chemistry, heavy drums, and a sneering attitude are never lacking in Royal Blood releases. Lyrically, the band has become even more earnest; though they still incorporate themes of heartbreak and betrayal, they also have delved into Kerr’s experience with sobriety and conquering demons.

The rawness of Back to the Water Below is further compounded by the two-piece’s decision to record the album in their home studio instead of outsourcing, showing that the bond between Kerr and Thatcher is truly the foundation to their successful songwriting.  The self-produced album was introduced in May 2023 with lead single  “Mountains At Midnight,” launching the LP at high speeds with smooth vocals and hard-hitting drums.     

A gritty “Shiner In The Dark” grooves along with crunchy bass riffs and punchy beats culminating in a headbanging coda.  The duo change gears momentarily with the delicate piano introduction to “Pull Me Through,” which swiftly dives back into a catchy rock track with yearning vocals. Kerr weaves his piano talents  in on Back to the Water Below more than previous releases, highlighting a softer side to Royal Blood’s soundscape, as exemplified on the soothing and sweet track,  “The Firing Line.” In stark contrast, the punchy “Tell Me When It’s Too Late” is a slinky  jam that leans heavily into the band’s sultry side and is one of the standout tracks of the album, melting seamlessly into the dancy  “Triggers” that channels the aforementioned motif of “conquering demons.”  “How Many More Times” allows Kerr’s lyrics to come to the forefront, as steady rhythms carry his lush voice.  “High Waters”  pushes the record back into high velocity while “There Goes My Cool” is a dreamy track, fraught with ethereal falsetto that climaxes with a pining bass solo. “Waves”  closes the album, reflecting the song title with floating vocals and gentle drums that ebb and flow, eventually swelling into a tense conclusion of pounding instrumentation.

In support of the new LP, Royal Blood have a mostly sold-out tour this Fall (dates here) filling arenas and select mid-sized venues across the globe.

Buy the album here:

https://www.royalbloodband.com/

8 / 10

MEIJIN BRUTTOMESSO