Britain bring it with their very own Royal Blood who have outdone themselves with their latest album, How Did We Get So Dark? A sound of Classic Rock fused with an out of this world feel that listeners around globe, Mike Kerr (vocals, bass) and Ben Thatcher’s (drums) sophomore album hits airwaves on Friday, June 16, 2017 via Warner Bros.
Backtracking a little bit, this duo has climbed the ladder and latched onto the brass ring, unveiling a much anticipated album after wowing audiences with their 2014 self-titled album that sold an astronomical amount, just within the first week. By all odds, many listeners were questioning how they could top that. So much sound from just two men, Royal Blood are showing how they have become refined, more creative, all while bringing along some hellish riffs the second time around. Like lighting as it strikes in the sky, it simply can not be defined.
Offering ten new songs with How Did We Get So Dark? the dangerous twosome has brought desire back into dark and deadly, accompanied by album art which is silent and somber. That picture painted, breaking in with a beastly beat, and carried on with impressive power, the title-track is heavy and infused with Royal Blood’s unique sound. From there, the different tunes and sounds give melody a crisp sound that feels light as it does heavy and harsh. The album’s debut single, “Lights Out,” leaves chills as a disarray of sounds and harmonies take over listener’s’ eardrums, potentially leaving them in suspense with the hard-hitting hooks accompanied by the reckless riffs. The ending of the cut is the perfect closing for all the metalhead, the serenading sounds perfect a hint of Alternative Rock.
They say three’s the charm, and track number three, “I Only Lie When I Love You,” is an upbeat piece that will surely get listeners out of their seat. The vocals are a perfect mix, harsh and dark, with plenty of feel. Simply put, the song is enticing, energetic, and indeed entertaining. Holding all attention, “She’s Creeping” sirens through the speakers with a melody that is down a tone from the striking first three, but not in a bad way at all. With a beat that is melodic at the start, it grasps the listener’s attention and, as the vocals strike in, it is a song that keeps them waiting and delivering them into a serenade of soothing sounds. Followed by consistent drums, “Look Like You Know” will have everyone moving throughout the night, as it is fit with dark vocals hitting like consistent a heart attack. Keeping on, “Where Are You Now” dives in with a determined fierce rhythm before the vocals have yet to dawn. Buoyant yet blue, vocals on point, the alternating in Mike Kerr’s voice is a definite bonus.
It is not all aggression though, and slowing it down just a tad comes “Don’t Tell,” taking listeners into a deep trance. Melodious in every tone, serenity is felt with a hint of disaster, the unison in the singing and the beat itself is heavenly. Showing that a variety of styles is in their nature, “Hook, Line, And Sinker” is a haunting delight. Escorted by gnarly riffs showing no restraint, there is a distressed feeling infused with an addictive libretto. In contrast, “Hole In Your Heart” is more experimental. Here, the vocals, with more of an echo and background beat, add to the distant atmosphere sense which is dark underneath and vindictive. Finishing off the album, ”Sleep” arrives blaring and booming, as the culmination is felt. Weird and wicked with sounds sophisticated and steady, it islLyrically layered with a raw, real feel. Riffs ring in as the vocals silence, later on coming back in, leaving an inspiring tone that brings it all home.
All in all, at loss for words, Royal Blood patiently brewed a concoction of madness mixed with mystery throughout the tracks of How Did We Get So Dark? This in mind, Kerr and Thatcher (drummer) eclipsed all expectations; they are a perfect balance, but opposites. Overall, How Did We Get So Dark? is thick in tone with impressive hit notes thanks to Kerr’s compelling vocals. Royal Blood faced no fear to the upheaval of pressure, pushing past with a passion full force. For these reasons, CrypticRock gives their latest album 5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
6 out of 10 at best. Over produced and pleading with to pop culture to let them in. Great rock albums don’t beg. They go so many directions within this album it’s left standing still. The first album was 9.5/10. No one is denying their musical ability but their third album needs to give us a clear idea of where they’re going. I now fear in 5 years they’ll be a distant memory. 24 hours ago I was sure I’d hear about them for decades. How did they get so lost?