When Royal Blood decided to embark on their fourth album, 'Back To The Water Below', they made a bold choice - to prioritize gut instinct over sensibility. Fresh from touring their successful third album, 'Typhoons', the duo had the opportunity to replicate their formula for another triumph. However, they opted for a different approach.
In contrast to 'Typhoons', where they collaborated with producers Paul Epworth and Josh Homme, this time vocalist and bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher took the reins and produced the album themselves at their home studio in Brighton. Recognizing that their chemistry and trust were at the core of their success, they wanted to maintain their authenticity.
According to Kerr, self-producing the album allowed them to be honest with each other and let their natural instincts guide them. The result is 'Back To Water Below', a testament to the band's rock and roll instincts, self-awareness, and ability to create something new with just a bass, drums, and their unwavering bond.
Ever since their debut self-titled album in 2014, Royal Blood has been on a steady rise. They proved they were more than a one-hit wonder with their 2017 release, 'How Did We Get So Dark', and solidified their status as a rock duo to reckon with through 'Typhoons'. Now, with 'Back To The Water Below', they block out the noise and return to their roots.
The album opens with 'Mountains At Midnight', a crashing wave of distorted sound, powerful drumming, and Kerr's howling vocals. The track builds tension before breaking into a smooth delivery that beckons the listener to escape to familiar territory. In 'Shiner In The Dark', the duo takes on a more melodic tone, swaggering through a rock track that somehow makes bruises sound desirable. 'Pull Me Through' starts as a sweet piano song but soon showcases Royal Blood's signature rock energy as Kerr passionately sings, "Heart swinging like a punch bag, waiting on you to pull me through."
One notable aspect of the album is the duo's decision to self-produce. This reveals a newfound depth in their production skills, as heard in tracks like 'The Firing Lane'. The lush piano keys give way to a stripped-down instrumentation that puts the storyline of losing oneself and finding a way back in the spotlight.
'Back To The Water Below' marks a return for Royal Blood. By honoring their instincts in the studio, the band has created a musically powerful album. Kerr states, "Whenever we do something really honest, it's musically very powerful." Trusting their instincts has paid off, and this album serves as a testament to that.
Details:
- Release date: September 1
- Record label: Warner Records
