Nightfly Three years on from their promising debut CVI, Royal Thunder return with their second album Crooked Doors. Whilst building on CVI’s strengths it shows the bands growth as songwriters and they have produced an even better album with 11 tracks of grunge inflected hard rock with psych and blues overtones.

Once again it’s the awesome vocals of Mlny Parsonz that initially draw the listener in, her visceral classic rock tones full of feeling and emotion make her one of the best singers today as well as a very capable bass player. The rest of the band are no slouches though, the guitars of Josh Weaver expertly weave (no pun intended) together forming sometimes hard riffs, often played with a fairly clean sound and resonating arpeggios along with some very tasteful soloing. Drummer Evan Diprima is solid as a rock yet slips subtleties in to match the dynamics that are a prevalent strength of Crooked Doors.

Highlights, of which there are many include the blues soaked Forget You, the driving hard rock of The Line and the slide guitar infused Glow. Forgive Me, Karma shows much light and shade with some subtle but clever time changes. Floor wins by its captivating riff, simplicity and strong melody and One Day’s melody likewise instantly grabs you. The Bear I and II are subdued and plaintive closers, part II in particular, being Parsonz on soulful vocals and piano and cello from guest Matt Jarrard only. An effective way to finish.

Crooked Doors is a remarkably mature second album which hits you fairly quickly but repeated plays reveal layers not immediately apparent making it an album you’ll want to revisit often. Highly recommended.