Listen closely and you can already hear the avid cries of punk purists, smashing away on their keyboards before pen hits paper (or fingers hit buttons) as we delve deep into the mind of Royal Blood and their difficult second child, ‘How Did We Get So Dark?’
The fact of the matter is that the Brighton two-piece probably have more to do with punk than quite a few bands you’ll find at Warped Tour these days. Just because they’ve picked up some (a lot) of Radio One airplay and some high profile festival spots, it doesn’t mean that this follow-up to their explosive debut record shouldn’t get the kudos it deserves.
In a nutshell this album gives its audience more of the same mind-melting, stomping rhythms and dirty licks. But that doesn’t make it boring, nor does it take away from their challenge of becoming a cemented top-tier festival headliner – it only lights the spark. ‘Royal Blood’ took the band further than most bands could dream of from a full-length debut, seeing them grace main stages, break into arenas and generate airplay across a whole range of different radio stations. At a time where the two-piece mill had become saturated, Royal Blood still sounded like a breath of fresh air. All this album had to do was turn up with a handful of killer anthems and it would be considered a success. Royal Blood have done just that: nothing more, nothing less.
There are a few tracks to fast forward including the extremely repetitive ‘I Only Lie When I Love You’, but this can be forgiven when songs as strong as ‘Lights Out’ give so much. At times the record can become repetitive, a little stale and ready to finish, but for the few moments that ‘How Did We Get So Dark?’ can grab you by the scruff of the neck with its fierce stomp, it is definitely worth a listen or two. If you’re a fan of bands like Death From Above 1979 then spin this; both bands are reading off the same menu. You won’t be disappointed.
Expect this album to take Royal Blood to Reading and Leeds headline status within the next couple of festival seasons. The live shows that follow will be phenomenal but in the meantime crank this loud and let the catchy stadium rock pull you in.
WILLIAM SCOTT