It’s all well and good for bands and musicians to evolve as artists and take their careers in a new direction, but sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than an artist putting out an album where you get exactly what you came for (AC/DC anyone?).
That’s exactly what Band of Skulls have done with their fourth release, By Default. Across twelve tracks that don’t stick around for longer than they have to, they stay true to the brooding, dangerous rock riffs and haunting vocal harmonies that people know them for.
In Love by Default is a standout for the smoky interplay between Russell Marsden’s guitar and Emma Richardson’s bass. The album was recorded in a Southampton church, which adds extra echo to this mysterious melodic interchange.
Matt Hayward’s drums are crucial to the band’s sound, allowing Skulls to wring a versatile array of sounds out of the blues rock format. His bass drum hits you like a fist in the chest on stoner rockers Killer and Black Magic; cymbal-heavy grooves make So Good and Bodies surprisingly danceable; and Back of Beyond has a boogie feel behind the swagger of Marsden’s sizzling guitar.
By Defaultsees one of the UK’s best rock outfits in fine form, and gives them plenty of new ammunition to use to wow live audiences for another two years.
