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Emeritus
Reviews 88
Approval 95%
Soundoffs 91
News Articles 19
Band Edits + Tags 198
Album Edits 276
Album Ratings 2916
Objectivity 64%
Last Active 01-03-23 11:21 pm
Joined 06-03-16
Review Comments 26,926
| First Listen: Royal Blood "How Did We Get So Dark"
You know the deal by now, the immediately thought of rambling, un-edited, uncensored, for your enjoyment. | | 1 |  | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
How Did We Get So Dark?
Okay this is pretty punchy and riffy, so standard Royal Blood I suppose. But it’s definitely got a stronger pop edge, it’s almost danceable. It’s not really too different from their first album but it’s definitely a noticeable change. Those choruses are really solid, very QotSA sound to this track as always. This bridge is super neat, very atmospheric, getting a “Ten Tonne Skeleton” vibe right now. I like how they’re dragging it out and building it up to the end, I feel like it could have climaxed better though.
8.5-/10 | | 2 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Lights Out
The first single from the new album was striking the first time I heard it, and it still is to listen to now, but I suppose it just isn’t super memorable. It’s just so very Royal Blood. But I feel like this album so far is pushing very slightly at the boundaries that the first album ventured to, and I hope that later songs push past and make something a bit more exotic and… complex? The solos on this are pretty neat so far I’ll admit. Trying to decide on whether those “YEAHS” are lame or fuckin’ awesome. Probably the latter tbh.
8.5/10 | | 3 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
I Only Lie When I Love You
Another single here, and I’ll admit that this one arrested me the most out of all of the ones they released, if only because it’s the most catchy. Overall, it’s pretty repetitive (what songs by them aren’t? Their strength is in repetition just like QotSA, albeit not quite as masterfully), but the permutations of the riff and melodies they establish throughout make this one really fun, even if it might grow weaker after multiple listens. Also, that outro is fucking lit.
8+/10 | | 4 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
She’s Creeping
Ah, that’s kinda a weird sound. Not really sure how I feel about that vocal melody but at least this is something a bit different. Yeah I don’t think I’m digging this one too much, it’s definitely got something off about it. The riff is a bit annoying, overall everything sounds a bit flat. It’s like all the wrong parts of The White Stripes. Overall though it’s moving through some cools stretches, it’s a good song even if it doesn’t hold up to the previous ones quality wise. To be fair, at least we’re hearing something new here.
7+/10 | | 5 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Look Like You Know
Oooooh that’s a bit of a generic opening. Pounding riff, punctuated by very deliberate jagged loudness. Oh shit maybe I was wrong, this chorus is pretty fucking cool. Another different sound for them, hopefully my expectations for this weren’t wrong. These past couple songs aren’t the best, but they are definitely playing around with their sound in appealing ways. Oh fuck this one is growing on me actually. This bridge is awesome, kinda pretty but still badass, there’s a lot going on but its still retaining that simplicity that a lot find appealing in their music… This one could be a big grower.
8+/10 | | 6 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Where Are You Now?
Pretty solid galloping opening riff. It’s probably the closest yet to their original album, which makes sense because this was recorded years earlier than the rest of this one because I think this was the one for that TV show Vinyl, yeah? Anyway, pretty damn cool song. It sounds a bit weird because it’s a bit run-of-the-mill when placed with all these other more expansive tracks, and it might sound better separately honestly, but its still a great track, and the guitar on the last chorus is especially nice.
8-/10 | | 7 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Don’t Tell
Promising start to this one, very menacing guitars and some cool vocals on here. They definitely stand out more here than anywhere else. Damn, he really does have a nice voice doesn’t he? He should make use of it more like he does on here, his pipes could be a powerhouse if handled right. I’m getting more of a ballad-kinda-vibe from this, at least as ballad-like as they can do I suppose. It’s a nice change of pace from the more fast paced first half, it’s definitely slower and more chill. Really digging this one tbh, could be a grower.
8.5-/10 | | 8 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Hook, Line & Sinker
Where’s that fuckin’ Oxford Comma guys? But seriously, this was probably the least impressive single for me when I first heard it. That being said, it’s still got a great riff, some solid choruses, and a hell of a lot of power. It’s just devoid of any progress for their sound, but is that really what it’s all about? It’s a great rock song, and at the very least is a good reminder of what made Royal Blood so appealing in the first place. It just makes us wonder how much longer they can get away with just that if their next album continues this trend.
8+/10 | | 9 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Hole in Your Heart
Oh dude wtf. That’s hella nice. Those keys were very unexpected and much appreciated, hopefully the rest of the song takes advantage of the cool opening. Oh there go the guitars. Decent chorus, feels like a missed opportunity. But here comes the keys again holy shit, if this is a dichotomy between the edgy verses and the generic choruses, it could really rest on the bridge to decide what to do with this song. Sounds like they’re taking the heavy guitar sound, but at least they’re going somewhere cool with it. Hold on, this come down is… going absolutely nowhere. If the band really wants to move forward they need to capitalize on moments like those verses and allow them to come into their own rather than smother them into just one way to differentiate the song from the others. Great outro tho.
8+/10 | | 10 | | Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Sleep
Okay here we go, longest song on here (the only one over 4 minutes). Digging the sinister vibe here so far, not a lot going on but its very nice, I just hope its building to a payoff. So far its just another song. Have the lyrics on this album always been this uninteresting? I guess they aren’t really known for their depth. Yeah this isn’t doing very much, its still got that great sound but it seems content with just staying the way it is without doing much else, which is disappointing to say the least. Decent bridge, decent solo. Kinda digging the slight backing vocals in the choruses. This outro is really cool, very moody, wish they had spent more time on it.
7+/10 | |
neekafat
06.16.17 | And yes I realize that guitar is a bass
Probs a high 3.5 or low 4.0 at this point. Lemme know what y'all think of the album and the write-up! | neekafat
06.16.17 | But yeah looks like we'll never get another song as good as Out of the Black | Papa Universe
06.16.17 | Would you say it is similar to the debut or are they headed in another direction? | butcherboy
06.16.17 | nice.. I like these album breakdowns you do, neeka.. another great read.. | WhiteNoise
06.16.17 | Only gave this one listen so far but it's the debut 2.0 from what I can gather. Maybe a sprinkle of QOTSA and AM by arctic monkeys as well. | bloc
06.16.17 | Copy paste this as one document and submit it as an album review | pizzamachine
06.16.17 | I'm following you bloc, I'm always watching 😳 | DoofusWainwright
06.16.17 | 'First Listen/Last Listen' 1/5 | neekafat
06.16.17 | Unique, it wasn't as progressive from their original material as I would have liked, but it's definitely a step in the right direction I'd say
Thanks butcher!
And bloc, somehow I don't think that'd go over well lol | neekafat
06.16.17 | Pizzamachine wut | danielcardoso
06.16.17 | 3 listens and hasn't made much of an impact on me. | neekafat
06.16.17 | Haven't gotten a chance to relisten what with all the new singles coming out | LethalPaintball
06.16.17 | album was a huge letdown | Papa Universe
06.16.17 | Gave the album a listen aaaand it's extremely bland, like unexpectedly so. | neekafat
06.17.17 | Yeah probz a 3.5 for this one, I still really enjoy it but as far as progression for the band goes, it just doesn't do it for me |
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