DIG
IT! - The Royal Beat Conspiracy (Bad Afro
Records)Dig it, we do. The Royal Beat Conspiracy are from Sweden and aren't to be confused with the current rash of guitar-crazy outfits from that part of the world. TRBC peddle a brand of psychedelic-tinged garage soul that, although
not
as immediately arresting as some of the stuff rolling off the presses at Danish
label Bad Afro (Flamin' Sideburns, Burn Outs), will make an impression,
given a couple of spins.This is album number two (following 2000's "Gala Galore") and marks the permanent addition of organist Carl Stintzing to the ranks. Not having heard the first long player, I can't tell you what's changed but it did spawn a Scandi radio hit in "Disco Boy" (apparently not a misnomer) which indicates either remarkably catholic playlists up near the Arctic Circle or a band intent on not being boxed in by their own fans' expectations. Three of the members spent time in Cry, a more rock-orientated band by all accounts. Producer Tortsen Larsson (The Soundtrack of Our Lives) seamlessly blends psych with soul and contemporary production values without applying too much gloss.
"Try Me" is an alternate version of the tune released on Bad Afro's most recent sampler ("Pushing Scandinavian Rock to the Man Volume 3") and pretty indicative of TRBC's sound. "Soulshake" is not disimilar with a walking bass line and prominent organ leading the way. "Good All Over" is a groove-laden strut that's the rockingest thing here while the 11th (un-named) track is a smoky instrumental, just right for a 3am listen. The obligatory mid-disc ballad ("By My Side") doesn't really work for me but that's fine - with no track over 4mins, there's no time to be bored.
If you're looking for punk, don't go here. If you're more into classic garage-soul, this is well worth investing in. Refreshing like a cold filtered beer. - The Barman
3/4