royworld, taken by og2t on Flickr

I got myself a copy of Man In The Machine, the debut album from Royworld at the weekend and since then it’s been on heavy rotation on my IPod. It’s brilliant.

Emma and I were at their gig in Glasgow last month, going to see them on the strength of a couple of songs, and it was a really good (all be it quiet) gig.

I even got a little excited one day when I heard Radio 1 play them during the day. It’s quite unusual to hear Radio 1 play a song I like on daytimes these days. Original 106 have been playing them quite a bit recently too.

My main problem with Royworld isn’t their music or their act, but their name. It’s not the coolest of names out there is it? Think of someone you know called Roy and I reckon that person you think of isn’t very cool. I don’t know any Roy’s personally, so I immediately think of Roy Cropper from Coronation Street. Not exactly the image you want for your band.

That said it is a good album and well worth a listen, even if it sounds a little 80’s-ish. Sadly I don’t they will ever be huge. I think they will be one of those bands who in a few years time you’ll hear a song on the radio from them and say “Remember Royworld? They were great, what ever happened to them?” I’d like to be proved wrong.

Man In The Machine was out yesterday. Same Sun is my favourite track on the record:

David