A Ways Away is the enthralling debut EP from Royal Blush, a New Jersey-based band that shows a tendency to seamlessly escalate from dreamy contemplation into invigorating blasts of rock ardor. Allison Heckart’s dynamic vocals and expressive lyricism — capturing a myriad of emotions, from loss to hope — bolster fantastic performances from guitarist Andrew Merclean, guitarist/bassist Patryk Sikorski, drummer Adam Cichocki, and pianist Oliver Glynn.
All five tracks succeed, from the yearning to find a “peace of mind,” amidst eclectic tonal rock displays within “Go” to previously featured finale “Butterflies on the Grave,” which builds from lush intrigue into impassioned vocal theatrics. “Go” kickstarts the album with immediate heaviness, as rousing guitar distortion energizes into Heckart’s serene vocal introspection. “But you’re knocking at my door, this late at night,” the vocals carry into a fervent call to “go home.” The track reverberates in capturing an abusive relationship — “now I’m black and blue / all thanks to you,” — in addition to the cathartic process of moving beyond a toxic relationship and into a renewed state of independence.
The ensuing “Ballads in the Sky” initially unveils a peppier pop-punk feeling in aspirations to “shoot for the stars,” moving into a soul-searching hook with bursting rock charisma. “Ice Age” also succeeds in its more radiant, jangling pop appeal. The band succeeds across both menacing, aggressive rock and shimmering pop approachability on this stellar EP.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
