Since their formation in 1997, Royal Bliss has been steadily churning out top notch songs. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that they began to garner some much deserved national attention with their first major label release, “Life In-Between.” They’ve recently released their eighth (8th) studio album and strongest collection of songs to date, “Chasing The Sun.”
The new record is an independent effort and it’s truly amazing to hear what Royal Bliss can accomplish when given the freedom to do things their way and on their own timetable. The outstanding songwriting on “Chasing The Sun” has set them apart from the rest of the pack. The record has a great mix with the radio friendly single, “Cry Sister” and hard rockers like the screaming “Welcome” and “Alive To See” which has a great riff and a cool Stone Temple Pilots kind of vibe. But as much as I loved the harder tunes, it was the slower paced songs that really stand out with the soft acoustic opening of “Dreamer” and the emotional piano ballad “Drink My Stupid.” The vocals of Neal Middleton have a way of drawing you in and allow you to really connect with the songs. That connection is what makes a song like “Home” a true masterpiece. Give it a listen and you’ll understand what I mean.
Let’s face it, lots of bands can write great songs and hit all the right notes but with “Chasing The Sun,” Royal Bliss has done much, much more. Their music has genuinely touched a part of my soul.
