DC post-rock quartet Broke Royals have released their latest single “Postcard,” from their forthcoming third album, produced by fellow Washingtonian Baratees Strange and set to come out next year.
After their first two records, the group had settled into a comfortable groove, with a solidified songwriting approach, a distinct sound, and reliable themes. Their reputation was growing, with praise from the Washington Post and tour credits with a wildly eclectic but highly-respected group ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to AWOLNATION to Car Seat Headrests.
For their new album, however, they decided to switch things up in an effort to capture their more gritty and raucous live energy, honed through years on the road. To get them out of their comfort zone, they recruited highly acclaimed pan-genre artist Bartees Strange to produce the record, throwing them headfirst into the unknown as they tried to write and record the album during the pandemic in various stages of separation and collaboration. The resulting work sees them exploring new directions and adding a new level of dynamism to their songs.
“Postcard” exemplifies this new approach. The song has a more personal and introspective orientation than the group’s previous music; it was inspired by a postcard from an old relationship that lead singer Phillip Basnight found while cleaning out his room, a far cry from the well-constructed fictional world of their last album Saint Luxury. The high-energy synth-driven track features a propulsive horn section and demonstrates a more personal and introspective approach to songwriting than they have demonstrated in the past. The song sports an undeniable sing-along hook that blends heavy, driving rock guitar and an active bass line with a chorus ready-made for radio and spotify playlists, while still maintaining a chunk of complexity and mystery.
Leave a comment