Band: Royal Republic
Release: Save The Nation
Release Date: 24/09/12
“We can see your underwear from down here” were lyrics featured on Royal Republic’s 2010 album, ‘We Are The Royal’. These sort of immature lyrics still reside on their new album ‘Save The Nation’ and they do help to give the Swedish four-piece their famed raucous edge.
For album two, there’s an abundance of ‘interesting’ phrases used. Just take ‘Everybody Wants To Be An Astronaut’ which is just a reminder of that poddy melody in Disney’s ‘The Aristocats’. But ‘cat’ has suddenly been substituted for astronaut. Another one that just doesn’t really sound right is in ‘Make Love Not War’, named after that said overused cliché. Frontman Adam Grahn exclaims, “If you have to make war, make sure to make time to make love in-between”. With its similar tone and off time singing to ‘Flight of the Conchords’ ‘Business Time’, it’s just a little squirm-worthy.
Unimaginative (or maybe too imaginative) words aside, the whole album has a huge amount of energy that does not stop for a rest for its entirety. This is Royal Republic’s main pull: just listen to ‘Save The Nation’ and you’ll automatically agree that they’ll bring this record into a live situation well. Tracks like ‘Be My Baby’ and ‘Addicted’ will use their stomping beats and simple repetition to reel the crowd in to the band’s control. This driving force they show off sounds a bit like fellow Swedes The Hives. ‘Punch Drunk Love’ has a punk-ridden angst with its flying speed and loud chants. This theme runs through to ‘Let Your Hair Down’, with its snappy riff.
‘Save The Nation’ is a fairly solid second album from Royal Republic. But before they risk being an act you can’t take seriously (when we should be able to) and lose some fan connection, their future lyrics need some attention.
7.5/10
Reviewer: Hayley Fox
