Royal Bliss Waiting Out the Storm Album Review
Royal Bliss made a fantastic record called Life In Between (My review here). It was a solid effort that showcased the band's ear for pop and their ability to write songs that can connect with an audience viscerally.It has been two years since we have heard new music from Royal Bliss. In that time span, they created their own record label, Air Castle Records. Their first release is Waiting Out the Storm produced by Brian Virtue (30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones, Chevelle).
I have to admit I was skeptical about the follow up to Life In Between. That record connected with me on several levels. But Waiting Out the Storm builds on that effort and pushes the band to another level.
The passionate songwriting is still evident With A Smile. The song begins with a hauntingly, etherial piano and bursts in the out door with kick of a mule. I can identify with the lyrical content of the two faced dick bags who enjoy relish in the failure of others.
Another stand out on this record is Crazy, the second single from the record. It begins with a simple guitar melody that repeats throughout the song. I have asked myself the same question "I'm wondering if you're crazy just like me." I haven't met anyone to accurately answer me because no one is this crazy. This song is going to be everywhere because it has such broad appeal. It's a wonderful written pop rock song with Neal's soaring vocals anchoring the emotion.
The song No One has a thick bass line and a strong rock base. The midtempo toe tapper is very reminiscent of a song from the defunct Philly band Isle of Q. (Anyone remember them?). This song gets a star for the ballsy use of acoustic guitar right smack dab in the middle of the tune.
This is a wonderful record and the strong song writing skills of the band are once again on display. The production quality once again intertwines heavy rock guitar, sailing vocals, and brillant song writing to mold a rock n' roll bowl of genre defying music. This records stands alongside Life In Between and must be in your iPod.
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