Blacklist Royals – Die Young With Me
Review by Theresa Pham
The highly anticipated full length from Nashville punk band Blacklist Royals, Die Young With Me is an emotionally charged autobiographical journey through twin brothers Nat and Rob Rufus’ life thus far. The album starts at the very beginning of their lives as is the brothers are having a reflecting conversation in their living room.
The album opens up with “Righteous Child”, a tearful and nostalgic first person narrative that is much more mature and lyrically candor than their past songs. The second track, “Missing Something” continues the narrative introspectively and energy but with a folk twang. And then there is “Twenty Six And Gone” whose little instrumentation allows the band to shines all the attention on the mournful lyrics. With line like, “If you’re reading this then I’m gone / if you’re reading this then I’m gone / boy, I’ve had ya on my mind / and I had to take the time / to let ya know I’ve always loved you despite the things that ya did or will do / I’ve had ya in my heart,” the song pulls at all your heart strings.
Other songs that showcase the Blacklist Royals’ 50s greaser throwback inspired Americana rockability are “Hearts On Fire” and “Skeleton Crew”. Both “Skeleton Crew” and “Hearts On Fire” are adrenaline pumping and epitomizes rock. The songs will have you up on your feet dancing and singing along in seconds.
My personal favorite song is the title track “Die Young With Me”. The garage-inspired gritty rock song perfectly captures the anxiety and overwhelming hope that comes with any struggle. Lead singer Nat Rufus’ raspy voice is perfect for this song. His Brian Fallon-y croon will break your heart for multiple reasons and make you swoon all at once. I would love the band to release a deluxe edition or follow up EP that included an acoustic version of the song.
It is the emotional elements of Die Young With Me that makes the album stand out. Die Young With Me is also the first time the brother have musically discussed drummer Rob Rufus’ battle with cancer. There is so much mediocre rock ‘n’ roll, or even punk rock records out there today that does not have the depth that Blacklist Royals have. Emotions aside, the album is classic and timeless. The musicalitiy is pure, honest and real. It does not use any fancy technology that is too often seen in many modern rock albums. Die Young With Me is just a bunch of guys telling their stories through music. The simplicity is what makes the album timeless.
Though the album is a great listen and brings classic rock to 2014, the real magic to Blacklist Royals and Die Young With Me is the brothers’ perseverance, bond and triumph. The battles they have fought and won are inspiring in combination with their acknowledgement of life’s impermanence is raw.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Die Young With Me”, “Twenty Six and Gone”, “Righteous Child”
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