By It’s not every day that the likes of an up and coming blog gets the chance to come anywhere near a gig from a major record label. So you could probably understand my excitement when I got press for the likes of Royal Blood at Alexandra Palace.
As part of their UK tour, Royal Blood (with support from Black Honey and At the Drive In), the duet plan a 3-night display at the prestigious venue in conjunction with the release of their second album, ‘How Did We Get So Dark’.
This being my second time seeing the boys, it was no surprise to me that the Brighton pair were going to absolutely smash the crowd with their ruckus hard rock and roll. Royal Blood can do no wrong. I always finialise my opinion of an album once I hear it live and I’m so glad that what translates live is exactly what you’d expect. Hard, heavy, sexy and definitely loud, pure rock music.
I think you have to take into consideration how difficult the music they create is before you can start to tick off parts where they weren’t as tight musically. Mike is playing constant hammer-ons whilst trying to tackle his bass like a fish out of water, just so that it doesn’t make any unneeded noises.
A personal highlight for me has to be the build up towards my favourite Royal Blood track, ‘Figure it Out’. The camera pans on Mike as he’s handed one of his many different Bass’s. Ben prowls the stage waiting for his queue. Unplugged, Mike flicks his wrist like he’s about to command a symphony orchestra with the lead firmly in his hand. He plugs in, waits five seconds and that all too sweet riff starts to play. The crowd goes wild. Ben slowly takes up his helm and waits ever so patiently. He throws a stick in the air, catches it and joins in for a spell-binding rendition of what has to be their best song to date.
Mike and Ben have entered what I can only describe as a legendary status. With the incredible career they’ve had so far, it’s only a matter of time before the boys are recognised as the biggest rock band of our generation. Royal Blood are the reason I started to write about new music. They’re the reason I fell in love with the idea of discovering bands and I’ll forever support their journey as they continue to solidify their already guaranteed spot in the rock and roll hall of fame.
