Originally posted on Genre is Dead!
When Royal Blood released their self-titled debut album in 2014, they quickly became known for their sound: gritty, heavy blues-inspired stoner rock with an emphasis on Mike Kerr’s unreal bass riffs. But rather than play it safe, the Brighton duo took a risk and tapped into their dormant groovy side for their third album, Typhoons. The album has the same spark and excitement that made their debut so infectious. Not only is it a new, fresh sound for the band, it also sees Kerr getting more personal and honest than ever.
Listening to Typhoons is like rediscovering Royal Blood. They strike a perfect balance between their hard rock sound and their new dance-inspired direction. “Trouble’s Coming” is just a hint of the band’s new sound with its fusion of rock and upbeat funk. They take it further on “Limbo,” which blends Kerr’s dirty riffs with big disco grooves making it the most infectious song on the album. Daft Punk’s influence can be heard on “Million and One,” with its catchy synth riffs and electronic inspired sound.
Fan favorite “Boilermaker” is a highlight. After making its live debut in 2019, the song finally gets a proper release, and it lives up to the hype. The song fucking rocks. It has an undeniable swagger with a sexy groove and an undercurrent of danger. But it’s very clear Josh Homme had his hands in the song. The riff sounds ripped from Queens of the Stone Age. It could easily be a cut from Villains. Still, it’s a badass song that gets you ready for a wild night out.
Read the full review on Genre is Dead!
Musical Fiction 