Back to the Water Below
Back to the Water Below gives Royal Blood's bass-and-drums sound more room around its edges. There is still plenty of distorted weight and direct rhythmic force, but piano and less crowded arrangements allow the melodies to take a different shape. The changes make the record feel broader without losing the connection between the two musicians.
Mountains at Midnight starts in familiar territory. The main riff is tightly wound, the drums hit hard, and Mike Kerr's vocal gives the song an immediate sense of attack. It is a convincing opening, although its appeal comes from the strength of the performance rather than a new musical idea.
Shiner in the Dark brings a more melodic character into that heavy setting. The sound has a gritty, echoing quality, while the tune gives the performance a clearer sense of swagger. The band make the song accessible without smoothing away all of its roughness.
Pull Me Through shows the value of the wider palette. Its piano-led opening initially feels restrained, but the darker rhythm and heavier playing gradually reveal the same physical character found elsewhere. Kerr's singing has more space to carry the melody, so the change of instrument also changes the song's emphasis.
The Firing Line takes another step away from constant distortion. The piano and softer melodic setting give the arrangement a more open feel, allowing smaller details to register. There Goes My Cool introduces a fuzzier, more psychedelic character, with a strong lead passage helping its brighter melody stand out.
The record is not equally convincing throughout. The middle section loses some of the focus found in the best songs, and a few passages feel more familiar than the additional instruments initially suggest. The broader sound does not automatically make every tune more memorable.
Still, Back to the Water Below is an effective development of Royal Blood's strengths. The piano and quieter textures work best when they reveal another side of the melody. The heavier moments remain enjoyable, but it is the space around them that gives this album much of its character.
