Posted by Released in September last year but somehow passing me by until now is Royal Blood’s latest album Back To The Water Below. This is the Bristolian duo’s fourth record and sees them return to their Queens of the Stone Age meets The White Stripes style indie rock after the Daft Punk influenced, dance rock of 2021s Typhoons.
Single ‘Shiner In The Dark’ is a great introduction to BTTWB – a barnstorming track with a catchy, QOTSA stomp and an utterly charming music video. ‘Tell Me When It’s Too Late’ is a bruiser of a song with a similar sound and a nice, chunky riff. BTTWB is a slight return to their signature style, with the full bloodied album opener ‘Mountains at Midnight’ and the distinctive bassy squawk and enchanting drum beat of ‘Triggers’ further examples.
As the measured paced melancholy of ‘Pull Me Through’, with its atmospheric use of piano shows they are not just retreading old ground though, they have added new elements. There is no outside help this time as BTTWB is self produced, the lack of external voices helps give the album a natural flow and a lack of restraints. ‘How Many More Times’ has an enchanting sense of darkness, lyrically and musically, that draws you in the more you listen. ‘There Goes My Cool’ is my personal highlight, reflective lyrics set to the tune of a timeless, almost Beatles-esque melody.
It seems like they made this album for themselves, not trying to please fans or chase a sound. It is a natural evolution for the band, mixing their raucous indie rock with slower and more emotive numbers. Whilst not as dynamic as Typhoons, it is a worthy addition to their catalogue, although at 31 minutes an all too brief one.
7.5/10
… Just make sure you clap at their concerts.
Lofty Music and Film 