A Ways Away is the debut EP from Royal Blush. Based in New Jersey, the quintet are looking to bring their brand of alt-rock to the masses. With this introductory release featuring five songs, two of which existing since the band began – it acts as a great way to see how much progression they’ve made. Even in their infancy.
The aptly-titled ‘Go’ kicks things off with a mammoth intro. Huge walls of guitars form against a crushing set of drums to really set the tone. Written as the close to an abusive chapter, the song finds power in its ability to slam a door shut. Lyrically, all details are revealed, painting an obvious and terrible picture that makes it clear what has occurred. It’s a heavy listen, but Royal Blush pair it with such a powerful instrumental that it has a defiance to it. A great way to start off the EP.
‘Ballads In The Sky’ follows with a more melodic performance. Putting the riffs aside to allow strings to ring out, while maintaining an equally massive chorus. Detailing the many stages of grief, and the act of living with it, the song tears through with another solid sound. ‘Cherry Cola’ comes next with a Grunge-esque intro, that once again utilises the melodies to fall into the vocals, with its opening line becoming one of the biggest hooks on the EP. This is one of the two songs that have existed throughout Royal Blush’s time, and it deserved to be on the EP. It has a Pop feel to it that makes it really catchy.
Royal Blush have delivered one hell of a first impression with A Ways Away. The EP has all of the riffs, melodies and hooks you could want, and to have it provided by a band’s debut makes it even better. ‘Ice Age’ has continued to be played throughout the weekend, and I’m still blown away by the vocals on ‘Butterflies on the Grave’. They’ve put themselves on the map, and I’m excited to hear what’s next.
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