New Kings On The Block

US Royalty has released their first full length album titled Mirrors. Front man John Thornley is joined by band mate and brother, Paul on the piano and guitar, Jacob Michaels on bass and Luke Adams on drums.  Coming together in D.C. in 2008, US Royalty first garnered grassroots attention from bloggers and become an internet sensation before teaming up with engineer Gus Oberg (The Strokes, Bloc Party) and Justin Long to begin recording.

Mirrors is an effervescent album carrying more pop, rather than the rock sound expected, especially after being compared to the likes of Band of Horses, Fleetwood Mac and early Kings of Leon, to name a few.  The album kicks off with the title track which is an instrumental is drawn out by the mixing of electric guitar and harmonica, leaving you completely unaware of the tracks that follow.   The Washington Irving inspired “Equestrian” is the album highlight filled with soaring notes and a magical feeling while “Fool to Love” plays with ‘60s psychedelic rock.  Bringing in more of their rocker side, “The Dessert Won’t Save You” plays around with being a harder rock song with its heavy guitars.

The ability to cross genres successfully is a feat the bands strive for but few can accomplish. For their first time out, US Royalty has found a way to introduce a variety of sounds with Mirrors while staying true to form. Now only time will tell if they can keep it their own while refining it even further.