ENTERING the stage to Jay-Z's 99 Problems, one problem Royal Blood won't have is winning over the Ritz.

As soon as the first note of B-side Hole reverberates around this beautiful old theatre, the Brighton two-piece has the sold-out crowd under its spell.

The band's eponymous debut album was released in August to critical and commercial acclaim, reaching number one in the UK and becoming the fastest selling rock debut in three years.

At first glance, it seems a bit peculiar that Royal Blood has become so big so quickly.

The group's music is not what you would describe as intentionally accessible, with Mike Kerr's heavy, overdriven, menacing bass lines backed by the ferocious drum work of Ben Thatcher.

Combining the best of Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age, the vital component is Kerr's endearing falsetto and catchy lyrics which grab you hook, line and sinker.

It is one of the main reasons why Royal Blood has crossed the rock/pop divide so successfully.

Although much has been made of the depth of sound created by Kerr's bass guitar alone, the sheer range and power which emanates from it is still astounding.

It is no real secret that it is powered by a few clever guitar pedals, but it creates a unique sound which has captured the imagination of so many music fans across the country.

The band's tight, all-killer-no-filler 50 minute set is a high octane affair which is at its finest when Thatcher explodes, and almost becomes a wild animal, ferociously pounding the toms and snare.

Showcasing all of the group's debut album, highlights include Little Monster, latest single Ten Tonne Skeleton and closer Out of the Black.

Next time round the group will have more tracks at its disposal, but leaving an audience with the taste for more is rarely a bad policy, especially when the Ritz's spring dance floor has taken such a battering from Royal Blood's legion of devotees.