Away Team

Royal Bliss- Waiting Out The Storm

Air Castle Records

Rating: 8 out of 10

Reviewed By: Jay Rybak

 

 

 

 

Salt Lake City’s own Royal Bliss are just the latest band in a long line of those self-releasing their music on their own label.  At first listen, I was admittedly, a little on the fence, but that’s why we listen more than a few times.  My first introduction to the aforementioned came in the form of their single “Save Me”, off of 2009′s Life In-Between;  having been a fan of such 90′s era bands as Candlebox and The Nixons, I was immediately drawn to them.  In fact, the first few times I heard the song, I swore I was listening to a new band formed by Jimmy Newquist of Caroline’s Spine. Surprised? I think I just heard a collective ‘WTF? You’re a fan of that stuff?’ but what can I say, I’ve always had an appreciation for some of the more obscure rock bands of the 90′s, call it a guilty pleasure of mine.  This album is no different.  Waiting Out The Storm, the follow up to the band’s 2009 major label debut will be hitting stores this Tuesday, January 24th, and it promises not to disappoint.

Who says you can’t start out in fifth gear?  The debut single “I Got This” warms up the engine for what promises to be a wild ride.  Neal Middleton’s dynamic vocals are the perfect compliment to Taylor Richards’ screaming guitar which at times bears a remarkable resemblance to the play of Tony Rombola (Godsmack).  The pace continues through the next track, “Monster”, before downshifting to the anthemic ballad “Bleed My Soul”. 

Middleton and Co. then ask ‘Why don’t we “Wake Up”  in what could easily be a cut off of My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade. The album again slows it down for traffic through the next few tracks, before driving head on into what is perhaps my favorite track off the album.  “Sunburn” is the perfect blend of Our Lady Peace-meets-Fuel that leaves our ears screaming for more.

All in all, Waiting Out The Storm is the quintessential blend of melodic rock and poppy hooks that packs more punch (and better teeth) than an Elton John vs. Madonna cage match.  This album comes very highly recommended, and if you’re not at your local record store on Tuesday to purchase it, you deserve to have your ears gnawed off by both of them!

For more Royal Bliss visit the band’s official website here.

 

 

 

 

January 2nd, 2012 – Salt Lake City, UT band Royal Bliss is gearing up for the release of their new album Waiting Out The Storm on January 24th, 2012. The new single “Crazy“ will be impacting rock radio in January.  The band will be hitting the road on a co-headlining tour with Bobaflex starting January 6th.

Royal Bliss has been making their mark across the country for years now. Constant writing, recording, and touring have helped build the success of the band. The wide variety of influences from Johnny Cash to Snoop Dogg to Led Zeppelin and the Toadies with everything in between have melded a sound that cannot be denied. In 2009 their Capitol Records debut Life In-Between charted in the Billboard top 200 and was #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.   The album produced 2 top 25 songs (“Save Me” and “We Did Nothing Wrong”). Touring with acts such as Buckcherry, Candlebox, Chevelle, Kid Rock, and Papa Roach has only increased the demand for the dynamic band from Utah. From the on-stage antics of front man Neal Middleton, to the energetic live shows, Royal Bliss continues to win fans over, all over the globe.

The band’s new album Waiting Out The Storm was produced by Brian Virtue (Chevelle, Deftones, 30 Seconds To Mars) and is a healthy dose of timeless rock energy combined with sing-a-long pop hooks, poetic and heart-felt honest lyrics that has been missing in rock radio for quiet some time.

ROYAL BLISS / BOBAFLEX TOUR DATES (more dates to be announced)

FRIDAY, 1-06-12  IDAHO FALLS, ID    RED LION

SATURDAY, 1-07-12 MISSOULA, MT    LUCKY STRIKE

SUNDAY, 1-08-12  SPOKANE, WA    A CLUB

WEDNESDAY, 1-11-12 YAKIMA, WA           THE REC ROOM

THURSDAY, 1-12-12 RICHLAND, WA    RAYS GOLDEN LOUNGE

FRIDAY, 1-13-12  WENATCHEE, WA           HURRICANES

SATURDAY, 1-14-12 SEATTLE, WA            THE JET BAR

MONDAY, 1-16-12          PORTLAND, OR                             TIGER BAR

FRIDAY, 1-20-12  SANTA ROSA, CA    LAST DAY SALOON

SATURDAY, 1-21-12 RENO, NV     CARGO ROOM

MONDAY, 1-23-12  SALT LAKE CITY, UT   GRAYWHALE

TUESDAY, 1-24-12         SALT LAKE CITY, UT   THE COMPLEX

FRIDAY, 1-27-12  MANKATO, MN    BUSTERS

SATURDAY, 1-28-12 BURLINGTON, IA    THE EVENTS CENTER

THURSDAY, 2-02-12 OTTAWA, IL     RURAL OAKS

FRIDAY, 2-03-12  JANESVILLE, WI    BACK BAR

SATURDAY, 2-04-12 KENOSHA, WI            BRAT STOP

TUESDAY, 2-07-12   LANSING, MI            THE LOFT

FRIDAY, 2-10-12  BATTLE CREEK, MI   PLANET ROCK

SATURDAY, 2-11-12 FLINT, MI             THE MACHINE SHOP

WEDNESDAY, 2-15-12 MARION, OH            TINK’S ROCK

 

For more ROYAL BLISS, visit the band’s official website here.