Review
The long-awaited debut album from the often-tipped new hit band The Royston Club, Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars, has finally arrived and yes, it is a masterpiece. This Liverpool-based quartet, originally hailing from Wrexham, has already earned a substantial following thanks to their successful singles like ‘Mrs Narcissistic‘ and ‘Shawshank‘, both of which make standout appearance on this album. Their sound can be likened to bands such as Inhaler, Artic Monkeys, and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
The debut album strikes a perfect balance between familiar fan favorites and fresh, new material. While some tracks may be well-known to longtime listeners, the addition of new content ensures that this album remains a captivating and worthwhile experience of some indie rock at its finest.
The albums opens with the track ‘The Deep End‘, where Tom Faithfull, amidst a backdrop of drum fills and lively bass lines, sings about the challenges of love and loss that adolescents often encounter. Moving on to the next track ‘I’m a Liar‘, where you will notice the charismatic chorus and punchy bass line, infusing the track with energy. ‘Tender Curiosity‘ is the opposite, this track captivates with its gentle guitar strumming, providing a welcome moment of respite from the preceding lively and vibrant tunes.
Throughout the album, the lyrics tend to be melancholic and bitter, contrasting sharply with the upbeat and danceable music.
The album ends with ‘Cherophobe‘, a notably quieter track to wrap things up. Here, the focus shifts towards addressing political stances that foster a lack of empathy and understanding. This all unfolds against a backdrop of cinematic strings and resonating guitars.
What sets this album apart is its remarkable consistency. From start to finish, Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars maintains a captivating energy and emotional depth that is a testament to the band’s musical prowess. Each track seamlessly flows into the next, creating a triumph of an album. I’m certain that this debut album will solidifies the band’s position in the indie rock scene. I’m curious to see what the future holds for this band.