Brooklyn emcee, singer and producer Q-Unique teams up with Jake Palumbo for his third EP. As 1/4 of the Arsonists and frontman of 3-piece hard rock outfit Stillwill, he’s also built an impressive solo discography for himself since the Uncle Howie Records-backed Vengeance is Mine 2 years ago. Following his collaboration with BlaQ Coffee and The Mechanic ten years ago on “Between Heaven & Hell”, Stillwill bassist Fieldy, who became famous with KoЯn, produced his last EP “Pound for Pound” last spring. So I was equally excited to hear that Jack was working on Royal Blood.
“Bad Meaning Good” sets the tone with its horn-laced roar that anchors lyrics aimed at crushing dreams like LeBron’s, while the gritty “Eye Don’t Sleep” features strings, kick drum and snare drum form tells the story of getting up before sunrise. “133rd Psalm” depicts the beauty and joy of brothers living in harmony with a soulful line, while “Don’t Wanna Wake Up” intricately pays homage to everyone who paved the way for hip-hop culture. “Chess Checkers” crudely tells the story of his escape from a difficult situation with bloody knuckles, while “Random Game” sets it in a basement to discuss street life in an instrumental way. Ingredients admits at the end of the EP that he mixes the rage of Bruce Banner with the love of ’60s hippies.
While I thought this was a great return for Q, Fieldy jumped behind the plate throughout the game from that point on, which got mixed reactions. That said, I feel like people who didn’t get much out of the last EP will have more fun with Royal Blood. Jake’s production was more raw than Q’s Stillwell bandmates, and Q himself was just as aggressive on the mic as last time.
Score: 8/10
