“I want to know, how you dare to play the victim?”
One great thing about the metalcore scene: It is always bringing us up-and-coming bands that have their own spin on the genre, such as today’s subject, Crooked Royals. A five-piece progressive metalcore outfit from Auckland, New Zealand, their particular brand of heavy music caught the attention of Lukas Magyar (Veil of Maya), who currently manages the band. Quarter Life Daydream will be their debut album on Periphery-run label 3DOT Recordings. With the endorsement and support of two titans of the progressive scene, it is only natural that one should have high expectations.
Right off the bat, Crooked Royals puts a strong foot forward with lead single and opener “Glass Hands”. It is a momentum filled track that kicks off the release on a good note, with sweeping riffs throughout the song being a highlight. The band also introduces a unique twist to their songs in the form of their clean singing, courtesy of vocalist Christian Carstensen. They have somewhat of an R&B feel to them, reminding me of the type of singing Issues employs. This is most apparent in tracks “Ill Manor” and “Owed To You”. However, these also happen to be the least unique songs, offering token heavy moments in between the choruses, which can make it feel more like they were checking off boxes rather than allowing their creativity to flow.
This is not to say the rest of this album sounds like this though. “Waypoint” takes on a more upbeat tone, with a fun, addictive opening riff and stellar guitarwork throughout, culminating in a solo in the bridge. The balance of clean and unclean vocals is achieved very well, and the ambience enveloping the track creates for a vibey experience. All in all, it’s most definitely a standout track.
“Counterfeit” is another highlight, as the shortest and heaviest track on the album. Screamer Lee Mackley takes center stage, showcasing an impressive range and technical skill, notably in high-tempo delivery during the verses. The instrumentals are impressive too, building suspense and releasing it in a satisfying manner. Though clocking in at just under three minutes long, the song hits consistently hard and feels rather complete. Later track “Paper Warrior” follows in this vein, although it balances out the aggression with a contrasting clean chorus, kicking off on a heavier note and them progressing in a lighter direction. They achieve this in an engaging and interesting manner.
Originally released as a single in 2020, a re-recorded version of “Copacetic” fits in seamlessly with the rest of the album. In contrast to “Paper Warrior“, it starts quiet, building into a beautifully emotional chorus backed by a barrage of melodic riffs. The structure of the song is also very interesting, taking turns from heavy to soft smoothly. The spotlight is definitely on the singing, with soaring falsettos gracing the chorus.
The album ends on “Between You & I”, starting in a similar fashion as “Copaceptic” with a slow start that builds into a chorus. The song uses this to great effect, setting into a melancholic tone that is supported by the use of atmospheric elements — backing vocals and ambient guitars layered behind lend it a comforting depth. The guitarwork is particularly impressive in conveying the emotion of the track, employing another beautiful solo by guitarist Jake Andrews.
This is album of many strengths, but it’s not without weaknesses. The dual-vocalist combo is a standout aspect of the band’s composition and one of the driving forces of this album, providing a delicate and carefully executed contrast; the musicianship is superb all around, a great display of the genre’s strengths; the choruses are an especially great aspect, being catchy and pulling from many different influences. However, this last aspect is also a double edged sword, as the album feels a touch too reliant on the choruses to create impact. I would have loved to see them try more songs like “Counterfeit” as a show of the variety that they are capable of; whilst the emotion shines through and the melodies keep it pleasing, it occasionally feels a little too safe.
Quarter Life Daydream is an impressive effort from a band with ambition, and passion pours from all aspects of its sound — from the vocal deliveries to the ambience to the earnest guitarwork. Although it doesn’t stray too far outside the realm of progressive metalcore, and certainly sits on more melodic side of that spectrum, it does a lot in the space it’s in. With their debut album, Crooked Royals prove that they are a promising band that, with some more experimentation and time to realise their full potential, could be a force to be reckoned with.
Quarter Life Daydream will release this Friday, 21st October, via 3DOT Recordings, and you can support the band by purchasing merch here.
8/10