THE ROYAL GUARD – “Showdown” written by Heather Savage edited by Devin McAlister
Musical Genera: Alternative Rock
Overall Rating: 5/5
“Showdown” is the latest release from 3 piece New York band The Royal Guard released in 2009. I would describe The Royal Guard as: darker, denser, more complex than most Alt-Rock bands out there right now with infectious poppy hooks, harmonies and better than average playing. Band members: Todd Davidson (vocals/guitar); Andy Ascolese (guitar, vocals) and Fred Scragg (drums).
“Showdown” is their debut release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: The impressive band delivers rock solid playing like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Vocalist Davidson’s voice hit the mark remarkably well within the contect of this catalogue. Third: their sound and amazing songwriting touch is action packed. In fact one could classify The Royal Guard as a four genera artist: Progressive, Alternative, Hard Rock and even a dash of Punk. All songs are a skillful combination of all the aforementioned genera’s. Music will remind you of Jon Foreman, Kutess, Hawk Nelson and Falling Up. The Royal Guard have the power and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. There’s also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the overly predictable, forgetful rock that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let m start by saying there is nothing predictable and forgetful about The Royal Guard. Not every square inch is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable this band is as they have effectively found the voice for all frustrated Prog-Rock fans out there. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nicely done! This is harder to do than it sounds and can only be a by product of being ones self musically. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a raw sound that is passionate and entertaining very much like the band.
URL – http://www.myspace.com/theroyalguard
Buy “Showdown:” @ CD UNIVERSE – http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7930430
Connect with The Royal Guard http://www.facebook.com/theroyalguard
Final Word: All 10 tracks will genuinely rock your world, shake the tree and lift your spirits unlike most music you hear on the radio these days.
