U.S. Royalty | Mirrors
Written by Julien Rastignac // March 2, 2011 // On the Record // No comments
Most Likely To: make you want to soak in bourbon.
I’ve had quite a bit of difficulty writing this review because every time I put the album on, I got way too consumed in listening to the bluesy rock goodness that was coming out of my speakers to write anything. Distinctly American, U.S. Royalty infuses southern blues rock and Americana culture with a sprinkle of indie-pop sensibility on top to make some absurdly catchy tunes on their debut album Mirrors.
After the deceptively mellow introductory track “Mirrors” lulls you into a stupor with its twangy guitars, harmonicas, and Wild West stylings, U.S. Royalty rips into it with the slow, bone-crunching rock anthem “Hollywood Hollows.” Rather than just ripping out all the stops and going for an knock down, drag out, fiery cannonball run across America’s heartland, Mirrors mixes rough and tumble bluesy rock with slower, more thoughtful ballads, and even a few catchy pop anthems.
“The Desert Won’t Save You” is a particular standout that sounds like the early Rolling Stones when they were still soaking in Muddy Waters’ blues. A powerful lone guitar rolls out a nice delta blues progression while vocalist John Thornley howls mournfully and the drums beat out a rhythm that sound like someone was keeping time using a good ol’ fashioned hollow crate. This nice little interplay slowly builds to a crescendo until Paul Thornley unleashes a savage barrage of Black Keys-esque guitar lines. Then, at a moments notice, the attack disappears and we’re left with the quiet rumblings of the bass guitar. This build and retreat pattern happens repeatedly, gaining in ferocity each time for nearly seven minutes of gloriousness.
Other notable tracks include the jangly river basin hoedown of “Give Up the Ghost,” the finger snapping catchiness of “Monte Carlo,” and the fairy tale adventure of “Equestrian.” Each of these three tracks is varied yet cohesive in that they sound distinctly like U.S. Royalty. Just as their name implies, they’ve taken the best of American culture including its southern blues, raw Detroit rock, and the optimism and vitality of the West.
Overall, Mirrors is a superb first release that will get your blood pumping and your feet stomping. So throw back a shot of bourbon and turn up your speakers. America, fuck yeah.
Listen to “Monte Carlo” from U.S. Royalty:
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