Royal Blood Royal Blood (2014) Genre: Hard Rock, Garage Rock, Alternative Rock, Post Grunge

Royal Blood

Royal Blood (2014)

Genre: Hard Rock, Garage Rock, Alternative Rock, Post Grunge

I have always toyed with the idea of having band that only had bass and drums, like these guys. Being a Bass player myself, to have a project like this, just playing with a drummer cuts a lot of red tape when you’re writing music and give you a ton of liberty. The thing is that I can’t play and sing at the same time. It’s pretty frustrating because I can play guitar and sing, but I want play the bass. So these guys come around and steal my idea (just joking). So this is my review of Royal Blood’s first album.

Vocals and Lyrics: Mike Kerr is the vocalist and bass player, he comes across at moments as weird mix of Jack White and Matthew Bellamy, but he’s an accomplished vocalist in his own right and does a good job. I must add that live he has a much better voice than on the album. 7

Instrumentation:

Bass: The bass is also the guitar, under the effect of a few special pedals, Kerr actual plays the bass like a guitar moments. He does a great job, but I think he’s barely scratching the surface, let’s see what he does on their next album.

Drums: Being just two musicians the drummer got his work cut out for him, he`s got to fill a lot of empty space, he does a pretty good job but he’s not brilliant. But it’s their first album so there’s room to grow. 7  

Melody and Structure: Strong riffs that remind me of early day Silverchair and Mikes voice brings in the melody, there is room for improvement but they are on the right track. 7

Sound, Production Feeling: Pretty lo-fi and raw in their production, no overdubs. Mike does use many of the same effects that Jack White does, but on his bass so there are moments they sound like one of his projects. But at no moment they try to copy him or any of his bands, they are their own beast. 8

Songs: It’s hard to make a first album with no fillers these guys pull it off. 10

The Bad: Nothing

Originality: Look from what I saw from there live shows, this album is the tip of the Iceberg, they have to bring to the studio what they do live. And if they ever read this bring in Seasick Steve as a guest on one track, it would be huge. 10

Overall: 49