Review: Royal Blood // How Did We Get So Dark?

Royal Blood went from session musicians to a number one debut album and touring with the likes of Foo Fighters in just a few years. Their riff infused blues rock won them fans around the world, most notably in Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Now they face the daunting task of following their 2014 self-titled debut with their highly anticipated second album, “How Did We Get So Dark?”

The eponymous opening track has the hardest job of being the album’s introduction, but sets the tone well for the record. The track is still built around Mike Kerr’s excellent work on bass but substitutes raw aggression for a softer and more deliberate approach. This continues into single “Lights Out”, where it becomes obvious album has left the stripped back style of their debut for something a bit smoother and possibly, more radio friendly. Easily the highpoint of the album, “I Only Lie When I Love You”, is the third single and the one that most resembles their earlier work. The riff is catchy and lyrics delivered with a ferocity that is almost equalled on “Hook, Line and Sinker”.

The problem with “How Did We Get So Dark?”? The bluesy riffs, the witty lyrics and technically brilliant solos are all there, but it lacks punch. Songs like “Look Like You Know” and “Where Are You Now?” are good efforts but don’t hit as hard as they should. They’re the kind of songs someone would tap their foot to and enjoy, but don’t conjure up the image of sweaty, intimate gigs where the crowd would go wild for them. However, the bands live reputation is enough to think that these songs will take on a new life in an arena, especially as they begin to retire some fan favourites from their set lists.

Despite this, the album finishes strongly. “Hole in Your Heart” incorporates piano into the verse, reminiscent of the style of Muse – the kind of experimentation that’s both welcome and works. “Sleep” is a great close to the record, where the band show a keen sense of melody and end with haunting vocals that make it another highlight.

It all comes together to form a strange result. Not the amazing follow up that was hoped for, but definitely not a “disappointing second album”. For many the band are still pioneers for a new age of rock and “How Did We Get So Dark?” will likely satisfy them. However, the album’s title indicated something unexpected, risky and abrasive – but it didn’t quite deliver.

-Calum

Feature: Otter Wales // GIRL Cardiff

The Venue: Buffalo Bar, Cardiff

Recently a lot has been made of the lack of female fronted acts at the top end of the alternative scene, specifically in the recent Reading & Leeds 2017 announcements. So we decided to check out what's being done at the grass roots level in Cardiff to promote female led acts.

Otter Wales is an events company aimed at improving gender equality in the music industry. We caught up with them at their 3rd event which took place in Buffalo Bar, Cardiff.

Having started Otter Wales as his third year uni project, founder Zac has been building the company for over a year. The idea was inspired by the Reading & Leads '15 line up which was criticised for it's lack of female acts. He believed the issue did not lie with the festival promoters but in fact the amount of support at grass roots level for female led artists, creating Otter Wales to combat that.

Opening act: Winter Coat

Otter Wales is now run by both Zac and old school mate Ethan with each taking particular roles within the setup.

Having graduated with a degree in popular music, Zac looks after the music and booking for their events whereas Ethan takes over the media side creating videos and photography which can help give the acts they've booked an extra boost of publicity after the gig. Despite the two of them coordinating everything they were keen to stress that Otter Wales is a collective and not exclusive to the two of them.

WOMEN's artwork

Not only do they have a support team of 3 photographers and an extra helper, Jess, who Zac referred to as their "database of music", but they also have support from a lot of like minded organisations. Involved in just this gig were Dizzy Pineapple and WOMEN (Women of Music Events Network) who brought along glitter and interactive artwork.

All this hard work, networking and community created an incredible atmosphere for the event, there was a real feeling that everyone was there for the same reason; supporting a cause they believe in and to enjoy some good music a feeling that can only be good for the acts involved and female led music in general.



After this successful event in Cardiff and one just before in Bath, Otter Wales plan on bringing events to Bristol and Swansea in the near future, as well as a further show with Rozelle at Buffalo, Cardiff.

Otter Wales: FACEBOOK | TWITTER

-Luke

(all photo credit: Ashlea Bea Photography)

Review: Arcane Roots // Curtains

Arcane Roots, today, released the video for new track 'Curtains'. After their critically acclaimed EP 'Heaven & Earth', new music from the Scottish band has been eagerly awaited.

'Curtains' can be seen to build off of song 'If Nothing Breaks, Nothing Moves' in that the song follows a similar pattern. However 'Curtains' seems to be the 'final' version of the song from 'Heaven & Earth'. It has a more full, deeper and more complete sound and appears to offer up a brilliant taste of Arcane Roots rumoured upcoming album.