Royal Blood
“Royal Blood”
Warner Bros.
Produced by: Tom Dalgety, Mike Kerr, Ben Thatcher
Tracks: 10
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The self titled debut release by the UK based duo Royal Blood is an album you have to check out. When a traditional 4/5 piece band can make sounds as unique as those heard on “Royal Blood” that’s fairly impressive however knowing that Royal Blood consists of just two members vocalist/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher that changes things dramatically.
The debut album is a carefully constructed wall of sonic noise that keeps the listeners attention throughout each of its 10 tracks. Songs like the albums opener “Out of the Black” and the raunchy “Figure It Out” tear through your speakers will ease as Kerr’s gritty bass sounds cover the ground quickly making you second guess the need for guitars at all. Combined with Thatcher’s spot on timing and ability to play in the pocket each performance comes off polished and professional. The duo only further confirm this with such tracks as the robotic like “Ten Tonne Skeleton” and the in your face “Come On Over
Though I found the album didn’t quite capture all the power of the groups live element it certainly comes pretty close. With each track on “Royal Blood” having a little something for everyone it makes this a great addition to any music lover’s playlist
Track Listing:
Out of the Black
Come On Over
Figure It Out
You Can Be So Cruel
Blood Hands
Little Monster
Loose Change
Careless
Ten Tonne Skeleton
Better Strangers