This epic frenzy of high-intensity bass lines, that conventional Royal Blood drum and bass but with a funky, disco element makes this their most exciting album yet. Straying from their brilliantly powerful hard-rock stance and showing the lighter, yet still chunky, side of their music, this album is very much 'Royal Blood on the dance floor', showing their previous fans a new level to their sound while branching out to a new audience.
With the album released today, Royal Blood willingly teased fans across the globe these last months with four singles; 'Trouble’s Coming', 'Typhoons' and 'Limbo'. The latest release from the band, ‘Boilermaker’, has been a staple of their setlist for a few years, now finally gracing streaming platforms so we can enjoy the song in all its Josh Homme-produced glory.
One of the main criticisms a band like Royal Blood receives is that a lot of their songs are a bit similar. With two members you might expect their range to be a bit exhausted, but this album proves that isn’t the case. You have the titular ‘Typhoons’, released alongside a fantastic music video that perfectly embodies its waving vocals and abrasive bass line. ‘Trouble's Coming’ is looking to be the top-dog on this album; its textbook Royal Blood and shows you everything you need to know about the band, providing nostalgia for any fans reminiscing on their self-titled debut.
Amongst these conventionally brilliant tracks, you have the subversive ‘Limbo’, with such a deceiving electronic emphasis which still blows your face off. The chorus is delightfully funky, but the verses retain that classic Royal Blood tone. It's a suckerpunch I'm happy to welcome, and is testament to the revolutionary nature of this album. In fact, every single track offers something different, with the album being something of a voyage as you make your way through the crunchy ‘Who Needs Friends’, disco-funk ‘Million And One’ and psychodelic 'Either You Want It’.
One of the more unique additions on the album was a laid-back piano track, completely contrasting to the previous ten heavy hitters that come before it. While it takes a couple of seconds for your ears to get used to Mike Kerr tickling the ivories, it’s a lovely light bite to see the album off, leaving you refreshed and ready for your next listen through. ‘All We Have Is Now’ is the hidden gem on this album, providing the calm after the storm, or should I say ‘Typhoon’.
With a name like Typhoons, you’re expecting an album full of crashing drum cymbals, powerful bass riffs and sturdy vocal arrangements. This hefty album might leave you feeling a bit sore from thrashing about in your bedroom, but you needn't worry, with 2022 tour dates released just last week.
(4.5/5)
