Source: EP Artwork
Rory Indiana have been compared to the likes of Biffy Clyro and Royal Blood but their heavy riffs and pounding vocals are like nothing you’ve ever heard before. There may be some similarities, but it’s safe to say that Rory Indiana are a rare form not looking to emulate anyone.
Their second EP, Ruling Class Crooks, cements just how committed they are to their style. The first and titular track is mind-melting, pushing right in to your face from the get-go to let listeners know what this quintet is all about. The lyrics are intelligently written, with lines such as “this is the beginning, a new age of living / ignorant minds can be oh so unforgiving” standing to attention within the first minute. Overall it’s a striking piece with faults hard to find.
‘Leave Me‘ is a bit more melodic but still offers a dynamic that is very much owned by Rory Indiana. They might not fit in with the crowd, but the way they perform shows that they could care less — they’re creating a sound that’s not only exuberant, but smart. ‘Burnout Behaviour‘ is definitely the high-point of the EP though, bringing monumental instrumentals together with lead singer Rory Kaye‘s killer vocals. Kaye’s strong point is “talk-singing”, as such, à la Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, and he pulls it off effortlessly.
The EP comes to an end with ‘Self Sabotage‘, an emotional gem that still stays true to Rory Indiana’s familiar approach… because after listening to Ruling Class Crooks, it will most certainly be familiar. The track wraps up what is a fantastic selection of material; a record that knows no bounds and will go down a treat with fans for that very reason.
