Royalty Capes is genre-defying, musical shapeshifter, bassist, singer and songwriter, Ben Adey. Over the years he has lent his craft to a diverse range of recording and live projects, including the likes of The Melvins, Fontaines DC, Gang Of Four, Warren Ellis, Peter Gabriel, White Denim and more. This month though he releases a solo record of his own with `Louder Than Joy`. The project already has three full-length releases to its name, with three more long players planned for this year alone. However, this artist won’t be playing live until he reaches his songwriting goal. He shares “When I have 100 songs, Royalty Capes will be a live vehicle, and until then, songwriting is the focus. That was the rule from day one. I’m at 79/100.”
The album opens with `Get Loose` a real rock out with grinding guitar riffs. One hundred and seven seconds full of sexual desire with vocals that are veering towards the Justin Hawkins vocal range. A chugging guitar and deep guiding bass lead us into `Get Up and Use Me` which is reflective at times and has a slight rock reggae touch.
`Bad For My Health` is pretty stop start at times and appears to be about a voyeur or peeping Tom secretly watching somebody which is detrimental to their wellbeing. Harmless or trivial `White Lies `are used especially to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Here it seems to be more devious while stringing someone along.
`Use Her` for me had a mix of the Stereophonics with a seventy’s vibe and an enticing grinding bass whereas `Round and Round` had a rhythmic nigh on Stone Temple Pilots tinged rock out thoughtful texture.
`Money` isn`t the Pink Floyd track but a heavy driving stoner offering before the fairly busy intricate `Can`t Go Back` brought to mind the artist formerly known as Prince with its delightfully enthralling funkiness.
There was a Motörhead like adrenaline rush to `Simple Things` a real headbanger of a number. The final cut `With a Memory` awakens and is a teasing contemplative submission ala American AOR arena bands like Journey, Styx, Reo Speedwagon and Boston
`Louder Than Joy` for me was more joyful than loud and I really hope Ben (Royalty Capes) Adey reaches the magic one hundred songs as live I’m sure it`d be a real blast!! In the meantime this twenty odd minutes of pleasure will have to suffice.
Rating 8.5/10
