How Did We Get So Dark?
by Royal Blood
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 102
  3. Negative: 6 out of 102
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  1. meringo
    Jun 19, 2017
    6
    They seem to have become a parody of themselves.

    I LOVED their first album, but this one is just too similar with no stand out tracks. It all sounds/feels like one long song reminiscent of the previous album. Although I like the band and can't wait to see them open for QOTSA in the fall, I can't really get behind this sophomore album like I did the first.
  2. DavidWasHere
    Aug 6, 2017
    5
    This band seems to be one trick ponies. I dug their debut record even if it's a less interesting version of Death From Above 1979. But this album is just not very good. It has the same issues with the first record, in that it's basically recycled ideas from 2000s mainstream rock without much variation of the formula, and it doesn't help much that their sound is VERY reminiscent ofThis band seems to be one trick ponies. I dug their debut record even if it's a less interesting version of Death From Above 1979. But this album is just not very good. It has the same issues with the first record, in that it's basically recycled ideas from 2000s mainstream rock without much variation of the formula, and it doesn't help much that their sound is VERY reminiscent of post-grunge from the 2000s (albeit not nearly as sludgy and ugly as post-grunge). However they do try to change things up here and there...for lesser results, like the awful attempt at funk with She's Creeping. I felt that if the band just stuck to their formula from their last record and went the way of acts like AC/DC and just make records that yeah do sound the same but at least they understood what worked about their sound, then I would be more forgiving. Instead they just show how limited their sound really is. Cheap cock rock that doesn't have the grit or raw passion of good rock and instead is polished pap for the masses.… Expand
  3. NicklasW
    Jun 16, 2017
    6
    "How Did We Get So Dark?" is Royal Bloods follow up, to the surprise succes Debut "Royal Blood".
    This Album is loud; the bass, guitar and Thatchers drumming are played so raw that you sometimes forget that Royal Blood is a duo. The Album starts strong with the title track, followed by the lead Single "Lights Out", but loses tension more and more going forward, the fact that the songs    "How Did We Get So Dark?" is Royal Bloods follow up, to the surprise succes Debut "Royal Blood".
    This Album is loud; the bass, guitar and Thatchers drumming are played so raw that you sometimes forget that Royal Blood is a duo. The Album starts strong with the title track, followed by the lead Single "Lights Out", but loses tension more and more going forward, the fact that the songs sound similar doesn't help the Album either and give the impression, that they ran out of new ideas to fast, the short 34 minutes run time solidifies this assumption even more. I was sadly expecting a little bit more diversity by them, but it´s still a solid garage Rock Album and the listen through and through the Album wasnt bad either.
    Best Songs: How Did We Get So Dark, Lights Out, Hook,Line & Sinker and I only Lie When I Love You
    Worst Songs:She´s Creeping, Look Like You Know
    Recommendation: For fans of the Band and Garage Rock (or Rock in general) it's definitely worth a listen. Mainstream listeners can dip into it, with Lights Out and decide from there.    … Expand
  4. BlownSpeakers
    Jul 5, 2017
    4
    'Rock and Roll is dead’- the declaration has been echoed by countless musicians since the genre’s inception, and many still proclaim its death to this very day. But common-sense practitioners will cite mainstream acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above 1979, and Manchester Orchestra as proof the genre is still alive and kicking. Some would even go as far as to'Rock and Roll is dead’- the declaration has been echoed by countless musicians since the genre’s inception, and many still proclaim its death to this very day. But common-sense practitioners will cite mainstream acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above 1979, and Manchester Orchestra as proof the genre is still alive and kicking. Some would even go as far as to mention newcomers, Royal Blood, in the same breath.

    The hard rock duo, composed of Mike Kerr (bass/vocals) and Ben Thatcher (drums), showed potential with blistering songs like “Out of the Black” off their 2014 self-titled debut. The group garnered high praise from legends like Jimmy Page and a nod from drummer Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys, who sported a Royal Blood t-shirt on tour. The band was even nominated for a Mercury prize for best album in 2014. Unfortunately, all the hype and fanfare this time around will not distract from the fact their latest outing, How Did We Get So Dark?, offers little to nothing new to the genre.

    To the distracted listener that’s playing the album on shuffle, or perhaps, hearing snippets between drunken banter at their go-to pub, these songs might sound like they “rock.” After all, the elements are there. There’s distorted bass, hard hitting drums, and big choruses; add in slick production from Tom Dalgety and Jolyon Thomas for this briskly paced 34-minute LP and the illusion is set. But sober up, grab a cup of coffee and some headphones, and the album falls apart completely.

    The album starts off strong with “How Did We Get So Dark” which barrels into the big single, “Lights Out.” The latter effectively uses the loud quiet loud dynamic, making the crisp cymbal crashes and roaring riff transitioning into the chorus feel gigantic- the song’s ‘yeah’s’ definitely feel warranted. “She’s Creeping,” slows the pace down to a slick crawl into uncertainty before busting into a tastefully focused funk groove.

    Sadly, these early tracks are the only times where the instrumentation culminates in a sound that feels bigger than the two band members. What’s to follow ranges from middling to completely jarring.

    The songs that feel bare exercise too much restraint. Too many times breakdowns feel like they’re leading to a certain climax – a reckless guitar solo, falling down the stairs drum break – but instead redirect back to a chorus or verse, leaving the track feeling overwound (“Hole in Your Heart,” “Don’t Tell”).

    Others miss the mark completely. The way the bass follows the vocal melody note for note in parts of “Only Lie When I Love You” and “Hookline and Sinker” is excruciating (listen to a cat grind its teeth against a chalkboard for similar results). The drums are forced to stomp along as if to confirm, “Yes, this is really happening.” At best this choice is cheeky, at worst downright obnoxious.

    But these challenges are minuscule in comparison to the real beast here- Kerr’s lyrics. How many tracks can you spew vague tales about halfhearted romance? Apparently, nearly all of them. Hollow relationships can be an interesting subject, but when the ‘lovers’ characteristics equate to the complexity of stick figures, there's a problem. “Where Are You Now” is the worst offender here. It’s the tale of “honest boy” meets “honest girl” and it doesn’t work out because “luck” wasn’t on their side (Great story, right?). The track doesn’t really go on to specify the circumstances, but we do get hints on how the fall out has affected the speaker- “When I think about it I get blue.”

    It’d be childish to write off Royal Blood as a Death From Above 1979 tribute band, but at the same time, it’d be equally foolish to deny they borrow elements from them, Queens of the Stone Age, and Arctic Monkeys in hopes of forging their own sound. Instead, their reluctance to push boundaries leaves them with a sound that’s at best middling.

    So, is rock dead? No, but How Did We Get So Dark won’t be helping anyone’s case.    … Expand
  5. razMN
    Jun 24, 2017
    6
    Aside from their exceptional debut, released in 2014, this album doesn't have any "memorable" song - a song that I can hear and say that it fits with my mood or whatsoever. The first 2 songs and the last 2 are the only real good songs that doesn't feel like a "Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V" of the other songs. The middle of the album is a never-ending-filler - the same song with different lyrics.

    The    Aside from their exceptional debut, released in 2014, this album doesn't have any "memorable" song - a song that I can hear and say that it fits with my mood or whatsoever. The first 2 songs and the last 2 are the only real good songs that doesn't feel like a "Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V" of the other songs. The middle of the album is a never-ending-filler - the same song with different lyrics.

    The band improved itself in drumming, 'bassing', singning and songwritting, you can see that on the album. But they just f... everything up making repeatitive songs.    … Expand
  6. StevenX
    Jul 22, 2020
    6
    Talk about pressure. The debut album was hailed (and rightly so) as a new standard-bearer for good old rock and roll, with a new instrumental approach, no less. The boys almost pull it off again but prove that the gimmick of guitar-and-bass-in-one may be even getting old to them already. Adding the occasional backing vocal or keyboard lick that can't be duplicated live unless they addTalk about pressure. The debut album was hailed (and rightly so) as a new standard-bearer for good old rock and roll, with a new instrumental approach, no less. The boys almost pull it off again but prove that the gimmick of guitar-and-bass-in-one may be even getting old to them already. Adding the occasional backing vocal or keyboard lick that can't be duplicated live unless they add members or (ugh) use samples is a step backward. The star of this album is the hard-pounding drumming of Ben Thatcher, which easily adds a point or two to what otherwise sounds like outtakes that for the most part were outdone on Album One. The early release of "I Only Lie When I Love You" is telling, as it's by far the best song on the disc, with its pulse-and-pause riding the beat to heaven. The title track comes close as well - the rest isn't actually filler but sure isn't what was hoped for.… Expand
  7. Wanesta
    Jan 18, 2022
    5
    After such a tour-de-force with their debut, Royal Blood meets again to create another Rock 'n' Roll universe where sex demons exist and roam around the planet, but this time, they totally lose the charm and drive they had three years earlier. It's lackluster, and feels empty rather than filling. The replay value isn't as strong at all and we quickly forget how "dark" it was supposed to be.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2017
    67
    The title track won't drag big rock forward, but How Did We Get So Dark? will definitely scratch a riff-loving itch.
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  2. Kerrang!
    Jul 26, 2017
    80
    At some point, a little experimenting may be needed, but for now this cements their status as the behemoths of British rock. [17 Jul 2017, p.50]
  3. Clash Music
    Jul 19, 2017
    80
    HDWGSD is so DTF it's practically humping the furniture, making it one of the most genuine works of rock 'n' roll since Elvis weaponised his pelvis.
    Read full review
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