ALBUM: Royal Headache ‘High’

Hailing from Sydney, Royal Headache graced the land with their self-titled debut back in 2011. After a long wait, they’re back with their follow-up, which comes in the form of High.

It’s soon clear that this album means business from the start, with ‘My Own Fantasy’ holding traditional aspects of the original punk era, although in a refreshing way. The opener feels as though it’s capturing the surreal yet bliss nature of all the feelings surrounding the band’s debut album and its success.

The speed and aggression continues, with tracks like ‘I Need You’ and ‘Another World’ keeping the momentum going. ‘High’ is a euphoric track fuelled by romantic aggression, it leaves you reminiscing of a better time though, behind the pounding beats of the drums, this is a peaceful number. Attitude-filled ‘Garbage’ tells the tale of someone who is blatantly pissed off, pointing the finger at the perpetrator; a hugely enjoyable insight into the everyday life of another human – it’s always nice knowing we’re not the only ones.

It’s very rare that you may find your body resting whilst listening to this album, the already mentioned speed and velocity are irresistible, especially in tracks such as ‘Little Star’. ‘Electric Shock’ polishes the album off efficiently, summarising the whole thing well.

Royal Headache pick up exactly where they left off from their self-titled debut. The old cliche stands strong – if something’s not broke, why bother trying to fix it?

All in all, High is a thoroughly enjoyable listen, filled with energy throughout every second. The twenty-eight minutes and fifty seconds don’t over-do things and not one of those seconds shows weakness; each track perfectly complements its neighbours.

High is out 21 August via What’s Your Rupture?

 

James Cummins
@cummybear

James Cummins

James Cummins

James Cummins

Latest posts by James Cummins (see all)