Album review: THESE REIGNING DAYS – Opera Of Love

Ecco Recordings [Released 22.09.14]

Devon based band These Reigning Days release their debut and they have been busy playing live at Glastonbury, Hop Farm and Milan’s San Siro stadium. The band consist of Dan Steer (vocals/guitar/synths), Joe Sansome (drums/percussion) and Jonny Finnis (bass/synths/vocals).

Sound wise they have the Muse love of synths/electronic backing and the killer pop hooks of bands like the Killers. Hard-Fi came to mind when listening to ‘Satellite’ with its almost spoken verses leading to a big, memorable chorus or even opener ‘Stand Down’.

The lead single ‘Too Late’ is a monster of a tune, from it’s instant chorus and the electro pop backing. The title track is another instant tune, reminded me in the chorus of the Automatic’s hit ‘Monster’, like that song one that stands up to repeated plays. ‘Changes’ should be another single, lulling the listener in with a gentle start before the synths and drums come storming in.

For a little variety the vocals of Jazmyn Mary fits nicely into the music on ‘I Need Time’, whilst the band have a couple of interesting interludes, almost like prog like in their musical outlook.

Full of electro pop gems, this album is one to crank up and enjoy. The sort of album that can appeal to the hip, younger musical audience and older folks like me who are a sucker for a decent pop melody. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)