I’m so happy to get the chance to review the delightfully wicked Dundee-originating band The Roques. The Roques are a five-piece rockband with a dark sense of style that blends both grunge and punk together with a sense of that brilliant Scottish rock personality that works in any timeframe. Put more simply, the Roques are spooky, and badass, and oh so smooth. Let’s jump in to their latest tune, Addicted. If you want to see my previous article on the Roques and their track Fear Me, check it here and give the song a listen!
Straight away we’re hit with an intro that sounds like a snippet from a 2000’s action/spy movie, or a villains introduction; and I feel like those two moods are the essence of this band, and this song. The guitarists (Theo Middleton on rhythm and Discovery Music’s own Jamie Wilde) work together to create a thriving pace between an introducing loop of guitar and keeping that action consistent throughout the song. Then, the verse rises to a great accompaniment by a drum beat (Blair Nicol) and amazing vocals rife with that Scottish quality rock-voice. The first half of the verse is strengthened by a subtle yet strong bass track from Cammy Duncan Before kicking into the chorus: the band goes quiet, giving singer Brandyn Mahmood the full spotlight as he sings “and I can see where I went wrong…why did it have to take so long?”
The chorus surges into action, giving that defensive feeling of vulnerability that sounds almost toxic and dangerous in modern rock. Following the chorus is another great instalment of silence to build tension and gravitas, leading into the next verse, with further developments and expertise from all members in the band, and then a second bout of the chorus- again repeating that almost submissive confession of “I’m addicted to you” in the backlight of such passionate vocals. The song rounds off with an absolutely FANTASTIC guitar solo.
I said in my last review of The Roques how proud I was of them and how excited I was to see more from the guys – the not only delivered, but they delivered with express shipping and an extra goodie bag inside the box… or something, I don’t know – what I do know is that these boys are one to watch.
Make sure to stream Addicted on Spotify, follow the boys on Facebook, and check out Jamie Wilde’s writings for Discovery Music.
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