Having departed their record label, Room 94 are back with the release of their second album. Less pop-oriented than their debut effort, the boys opted for self-titled ‘Room 94’ feeling that their current rock sound is more true to the band’s roots and desired style.
Kicking off the 16-track album, punk rock ‘So What’ sounds much like the band’s earlier material circa their Loud Noises EP. With its gritty guitar riffs and synthesised beats, ‘Dirty Dancing’ is guitar-driven R’n’B – dark and addictive, it is undoubtedly one of the best tracks ‘Room 94’ has to offer.
With lyrics such as “we were too young, it wasn’t enough”, ‘Too Young’ portrays the anger at trying to make relationships work with intensity heightened by thrashing drums and distorted vocals. Instrumentally, ‘X’s’ isn’t particularly spectacular but lyrically, it’s compelling. It benefits from spoken word by guitarist Sean, as well as a few heavier rock choruses. While the band have undeniable rock song-writing ability, experimenting with song dynamics certainly pays off on this occasion.
‘Keep Your Hands Off My Chick’ and ‘Tell Me What Love Feels Like’ swiftly takes us back to their trademark head-banging rock sound. ‘Party Anthem’ is more reminiscent of the No Strings Attached album, with a similar vibe to ‘When I Was A Teenager’. Similarly, if you enjoyed ‘Shine Your Light’ on Room 94’s 2014 release, you’ll love ‘Pills’ and ‘Your Song’ – both are ballads and the slowest offerings on the album. They double as light interludes to an otherwise heavier record than the material Room 94 released last year, and provide their fans with yet more proof that they can conquer more than one genre.
The deluxe version of the album gives listeners an four extra songs, the best of these being ‘Meet Me On The Dancefloor’. Whether you’re on your own or partying with friends, it is infectious with relatable lyrics, such as the whispered lines “I can’t wait for the weekend / I can’t wait for this week to end” echoing 99% of the population’s thoughts when they’re at school/university/work.
While the band have progressed from school boy wannabes to a fully-fledged rock band, their movements between pop and rock suggest they are still trying to find their sound. However, while ‘Room 94’ shows the four-piece do not want to be thrown into the boyband pile, it is likely their predominantly teenage fanbase and those who enjoyed the pop-driven ‘No Strings Attached‘ will also appreciate the slower tracks on the record.
