Album Review: Typhoons by Royal Blood

It's both one with themselves, as a result of the whirlwind of success that they found off the back of 2014's overdriven bass and punch-in-the-gut frenzy of their self-titled debut album, and also with an increasingly stagnant industry steadfastly opposed to innovation and change. Typhoons is also an ambitious feat for a band who made a name for themselves by redefining the rock category of tour de force duos. "Who Needs Friends" appeals to fans of the first album who were hooked by colossal riffs and the intuitive drumming from Ben Thatcher who knows exactly when to unleash chaos and when to reign it in, but they may be surprised by the wistful John Lennon hues of "All We Have Is Now".

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In essence, Royal Blood guide themselves by a simple concept on their third LP. From beginning to end, the Brighton, UK duo lay down a danceable groove and stick by it—fusing pulverizing, pedal-driven fuzz over four-on-the-floor beats. It's a formula that has worked out splendidly for singer/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher since their 2014 self-titled album, one that feels wholly visceral rather than rational.

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Having resurrected rock and roll, Royal Blood kick it to death (again) Credit where credit's due, Typhoons is rather catchy. "Trouble's Coming"? Banger. "Oblivion"? Absolute tune, mate. "Either You Want It"? Well, it certainly has the good musical notes. You get the gist, I'm sure: on their ….

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Think you know Royal Blood? Two piece blood 'n' guts rock music, right? Well, think again. Curiously, the pair have switched it up on their third album, with 'Typhoon' sounding more like Daft Punk than Kyuss - when it works, it's a thrilling, festival-slaying brew. Absorbing dancefloor elements into their muscular framework, Royal Blood tap into an increased immediacy, one that feels like those Justice live shows of old, while cribbing notes from the late Philippe Zdar.

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