Upcoming Release: Rome Is Burning
Rome Is Burning: No Hype, Just Riffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfpkCkHCHuE
Let’s cut through the PR fog. Rome Is Burning aren’t reinventing rock’n’roll, and frankly, they don’t need to. What they are doing is serving up a debut album that feels like a long-overdue jam session between old friends who still remember how to swing a riff.
Formed in 2024 by guitarist Chris Flanagan and frontman Leigh Oates, the latter also handling production duties at Birmingham’s Cold Room, the UK quartet (rounded out by Stu Beardshaw on bass and Pete Smyth behind the kit) play with the kind of lived-in chemistry that’s rare for a new band. Their self-titled debut, out September 1st, doesn’t scream for attention. It just demands you turn it up.
There’s a swagger here that nods to QOTSA’s desert cool, sure, but dig deeper and you’ll catch the ghost of Temple of the Dog in the vocal phrasing, or the groove-laden punch of early Velvet Revolver. This isn’t retro worship, it’s rock muscle memory. Tracks like Real Easy (check the video) ooze a loose-limbed confidence, all sinewy basslines and drum hits that land like body blows.
Recorded fast, mixed with intent, and mastered by Steve Wray (who’s lent his ears to everyone from The Cure to Bring Me The Horizon), the album avoids the polished sterility that plagues so many modern rock releases. It breathes. It sweats. It doesn’t try to be important, just true.
And look, we’ve all seen “next big thing” tags slapped on bands with half a decent riff and a social media budget. But Rome Is Burning feel different. Maybe it’s the self-release angle, or the fact they’re already plotting a 2025 tour like seasoned road dogs. Or maybe it’s just that rare thing: a band that sounds like they’re playing for themselves first, and us second.
I’ll be damned if this doesn’t crack my year-end list.
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