Royal Blood: Typhoons

The third number one album by the Brighton duo, is next up for review.

‘Troubles Coming’ opens up Side One, its classic Royal Blood with a groove. The band have said that this was the catalyst for the rest of the album. Lyrically the song shows a more vulnerable side to Mike Kerr. The groove based nature of the song allows this to happen, as powerful bass lines and loud drums are more subdued leaving the words nowhere to hide. ‘Oblivion’ is next and this takes the disco feel to the next level. Daft Punk are a huge influence on this album and with track Royal Blood wear their influences on there sleeves it’s a departure from previous sounds and shows the band looking forward. Backing singers add an extra dimension and a perfect compliment to Mike’s voice. ‘Typhoons is the third track, and it’s a stomper, it takes the Royal Blood formula and adds a pop sheen, with synths and shimmer. The chorus is perfect for arenas and summer festivals. A true highlight of the album.
‘Who Needs Friends’ is the fourth track which sees Mike tackle toxic friendships and the ‘vultures’ and ‘cheapskates’ with a more of a snarl and a haunting vocal than the previous efforts. It’s the most Royal Blood of old sounding song on the album. Until the chorus which is a delight with backing vocals and call and response lines. ‘Million and One’ ends Side One with a more synth feel, Daft Punk are present again here. This departure of their old sound is brilliant and this track may be my favourite on the record. It’s so different, but still Royal Blood. A true highlight of the album.

Side Two begins with ‘Limbo’ a dancefloor anthem. That doesn’t sound like Royal Blood does it? The synths play just as an important role as the drums and bass in this track. It’s a rock stomper and a dancefloor filler all in one song. It’s brilliant. It’s easy to see why it was a single. ‘Either You Want It’ is the next track on Side Two. A snarling effort with a unique vocal and a powerful bass line, the lyrics in this song are very clever, and it highlights a great songwriting ability within the band dynamic. I really like this track, an underrated gem in the bands discography. Fan favourite ‘Boilermaker’ is next the band road tested this song live and fans were excited to here a recorded version and it certainly doesn’t disappoint, it’s the perfect blend between old and new and it’s rightfully the centrepiece of the album. ‘Mad Visions’ follows and on my first listen to the album, this track really stood out to me, I found the chorus repeating in my head, I couldn’t get it out of my head it really was an ear worm. It’s got such a dance feel too it, they’ve let there hair down here and this new sound has really set them free. It’s another of my favourites on the album. ‘Hold On’ is the penultimate track on the album, the NME described it as quote ‘Led Zeppelin getting mashed up at a Rave’ it’s a brilliant track with loud brash guitars and intricate synths. Mike’s unique vocal works as an instrument is this track adding a extra dimension to the track, alternating dynamically as the song goes on. The riff is this song is also unbelievable they have a knack of creating brilliant riffs ‘Lights Out’ ‘Figure it Out’ and now ‘Hold On’. Ending the album is ‘All We Have Now’ a slow piano ballad, a rather unexpected song from Royal Blood and shows a vulnerable side we’ve never seen before. This album came from Mike’s personal struggles and this track singles the rebirth. The band have broke down the boundaries they set for themselves and let a bit of light in.