Trouble's Coming is a song by the English rock duo Royal Blood, released as a digital single on 26 May 2022. The track serves as the lead single for the band's third studio album, Back to the Water Below, which was subsequently released in September 2022.
Background and Release
- Artist: Royal Blood (consisting of vocalist/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Wright).
- Songwriters: Mike Kerr and Ben Wright.
- Producer: The song was produced by Royal Blood in collaboration with producer Paul Savage.
- Record label: Warner Records.
- The single was announced via the band's official social‑media channels and was made available for streaming and digital download on the same day as its announcement.
Composition
- Genre: The track is characterized as a blend of hard rock and garage‑rock, featuring the duo's signature bass‑driven riff work and a driving drum pattern.
- Length: 3 minutes 38 seconds (album version).
- Musical structure: The song follows a conventional verse‑chorus‑verse format, employing distorted bass tones, punchy drums, and Kerr’s gritty vocal delivery.
Reception
- Critical response: Upon release, Trouble's Coming received generally positive reviews from music critics, who highlighted its energetic production and return to the heavier sound of the band’s earlier work. Publications such as NME and Kerrang! noted the track’s “infectious groove” and “immediate hook.”
- Chart performance: The single entered several national charts, including peaking at number 71 on the UK Singles Chart and charting within the top 40 of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart.
Music video
A music video directed by Dave Ma premiered on the band's official YouTube channel concurrently with the single’s release. The visual features the duo performing in a dimly lit, industrial setting intercut with abstract, glitch‑style imagery.
Live performances
Royal Blood debuted Trouble's Coming during live sets in the spring of 2022, including a televised performance on BBC Radio 1’s “Live Lounge” and subsequent inclusion in the setlist of the Back to the Water Below tour.
Credits and personnel
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Vocals, bass guitar, songwriting | Mike Kerr |
| Drums, songwriting | Ben Wright |
| Production | Paul Savage |
| Engineering | John Mitchell |
| Mixing | Chris Coady |
| Mastering | John Davis |
References
- Royal Blood – “Trouble’s Coming” (official release announcement). Royal Blood official website, 26 May 2022.
- “Royal Blood unveil new single ‘Trouble’s Coming’”. NME, 27 May 2022.
- “Royal Blood – ‘Trouble’s Coming’ Review”. Kerrang!, 28 May 2022.
- Official Charts Company – Royal Blood chart history. Accessed May 2023.
- Billboard – Royal Blood Chart History (Mainstream Rock Songs). Accessed May 2023.
Note: All information reflects data available from publicly released sources up to September 2023.
