Album Review: Bang Bang Romeo - A Heartbreaker's Guide To The Galaxy

Who knew Doncaster would become such an epi-centre for contemporary pop music.  Not content with producing one fifth of One Direction, Donny is also home to up and coming pop-punker Yungblud, indie rock band The Blinders and also, you guessed it, Bang Bang Romeo.

The trio have been making a lot of noise over the past few years, but over the last 18 months, they have started to gather real momentum. Since releasing the track ‘Shame On You’ in June 2018, the group have really hit their stride. That track and the eponymous EP that followed demonstrated a new-found maturity in their songwriting, which clearly resonated with fans. It also must have impressed pop-rock superstar P!NK, who invited BBR on tour earlier this year.

Bang Bang Romeo’s debut album ‘A Heartbreaker’s Guide To The Galaxy’ not only lives up to the hype, but also establishes the trio as a true pop tour-de-force. The first track ‘Cemetery’ begins the album with all the majesty one has come to expect from BBR, with lead singer Anastasia Walker’s vocals soaring alongside the triumphant horns. Long-time fans may recognise the song as it appeared with a couple of the other early tracks on last year’s ‘Shame On You’ EP.

The distorted guitar on ‘You & I’ showcases a darker and yet equally grandiose side to the band, with the more rock-focused track possibly taking inspiration from their time with P!NK on tour. ‘You Scared The Love Out of Me’ is a real anthem, with the epic production and hip hop-esque beat complementing Walker’s powerful vocals.

The three-song run towards the end of the album of ‘Runaway’, ‘Over My Dead Body’ and ‘Astronaut’ really showcase the lead singer’s vocal talent, as the more stripped back production allows Walker’s voice to become front-and-centre, shifting between numerous styles and emotions.

Penultimate track ‘Love Yourself’ typifies Bang Bang Romeo’s quest to spread self-love, friendship and self-confidence in the most effective way – great music. The feature from Example is a nice touch, but there is no doubting that BBR remain the focal point on this track.

‘A Heartbreaker’s Guide To The Galaxy’ is an uplifting journey that puts the group from Doncaster on the precipice of pop stardom. It is an album that is littered with memorable moments, vocal prowess and a coherent yet varied soundscape. It is easily one of the best pop-rock albums in years.