Royal Blood’s long-awaited return is finally here as the Brighton rock duo have released their first new music since their 2017 album How Did We Get So Dark. Ahead of the arrival of their third studio album, the band dropped new single Trouble’s Coming this week.

Formed in 2011, Royal Blood – made up of vocalist and bass guitarist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher – released their self-titled debut album in 2014. It was verified by the Official Charts Company as the fastest-selling British rock debut album in three years in the UK. It also saw the band win the Brit Award for Best British Group, NME Awards for Best New Band and Best Live Band, and a Kerrang! Award for Best British Newcomer.

How Did We Get So Dark then cemented the band as one of the UK’s biggest acts, with European and American tours and a slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury all under their belts. With their distinctive brand of edgy, effects-laden rock, they seemed firmly established as music royalty.

Curiously, then, Trouble’s Coming marks something of a change in direction for the band. It is a blistering dance-infused track with a repeating chorus line that feels closely related to Daft Punk. Built around a huge bassline, it’s highlighted by electro flourishes. It doesn’t do away with what made Royal Blood so great, the attitude and intensity are all still present, but it’s a new and exciting feel for the pair.

Writing on their official Facebook page about their new single, the band said: “Royal blood, sweat and tears of joy have been shed to get to this very moment, but it feels so incredible to finally let you into our new world.

“We made this wholeheartedly for ourselves, and allowed everything we love about music to reveal itself. We’re totally besotted with every detail and this is just the beginning of something really special! “We hope you get as much of a buzz out of it as we do. It's all yours now.”

Listen to the official video for Trouble’s Coming here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.