U.S. Royalty - Mirrors, a review
The Washington-born band U.S. Royalty are the fourth of my requested reviews, and had previously gone unnoticed to me. With an instantly noticeable nod to Spaghetti Westerns, ambitious rock and loud, distorted noise, it's likely to be greatly appreciated by anyone who's so far this year enjoyed Yuck and Glasvegas, amongst others. The record produced by Gus Oberg, who has worked with Bloc Party and the Strokes, this mere fact alone should shed some light on the rawness and potency behind this record. The opener 'The Mirror' is a bluesy, rattling piece of majesty that instils an ominous feel, quickly merging into 'Hollywood Hollows', a kind of reimagination of Primal Scream's "Moving On Up" through a Jimi Hendrix medium. It's exceedingly catchy and the bassline throws out numerous bouncy hooks. 'Monte Carlo' is noticeably quieter but doesn't hesitate on the energy - a clear western influence adding another notch to the great American ...