R– THE ROADHOUSE, MANCHESTER –

I’m not sure whether its because I’ve really submersed myself in it this year, but 2013 sure has been a great year for new music, particularly bands coming out of the UK. There has been a slow rise in the amount of two piece bands too, proving that you don’t need a stage full of people and equipment to make the most noise. Royal Blood very much back up that point.

The Brighton-based duo have only been together for a year and only have one track online, their forthcoming single, but already everyone is going nuts about them! Tonight they’re at The Roadhouse as part of a full length UK tour their on in support of the new release ‘Out Of The Black’ which comes out on their own label next month.
With this being their first tour and playing a city a little ways away from their home town, the promoter does the right thing and slots them in the middle of the bill between some local bands in the hope that the Manchester crowd will give them a chance.
From the off, everyone is hypnotised. Mike Kerr is an incredible bassist, cramming as many riffs into a song as possible as well as matching these riffs with equally impressive vocal hooks. And drummer Ben is just a monster, playing his kit as if his life depends on it. The result of these two talented musicians coming together is about half an hour or pure power. Although I’d say both their sound and set up is pretty unique at the moment you can definitely hear some influences in there; from blues-infused grooves of The Black Keys, the soul-soaked swagger of Led Zeppelin to the thunderous rock ‘n’ roll bite of Queens Of The Stone Age.
There’s a bunch of young lads next to me who can’t stop screaming as soon as a song starts, usually because it starts with a humungous riff, and everyone is captivated not only because these guys can play but because every song is a hit!
The band close with the incredible power pop of new single ‘Out Of The Black’; a blistering rock song, which has about three earth shattering moments in it, the final minute leading bassist Mike to climb the sub bass bins at the front of the stage, as Ben is hardly breaking a sweat after practically assaulting his drum kit for the whole set. As they finish, everyone in attendance seems pretty blown away, and as one punter behind starts chanting “Royal Blooooood”, I can’t help but think that that chant is going to fill huge rooms when these two blow up in the new year. An incredibly impressive live band with the tunes to back them up, believe the hype.


Royal Blood  Official | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Benjamin Forrester

Post By Benjamin Forrester (84 Posts)

I joined the Silent Radio family near the very start of my move to Manchester in 2012 and I'm still having the best time! During my stay here I've been in two noisy bands, had a not so noisy solo project, made a zine, started a blog and started a radio show. It's been productive to say the least and it's all been intersperse with a shit load of gig going and beer drinking. I would love it if you followed me on twitter @dr_brainless for excitable tweets about playing, watching and living new music.