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
