Album Review: Hold Court by The Viceroyes – A Raw Garage Rock Gem from 2013
If you’re into gritty, unpolished rock that feels like it was born in a dimly lit basement rather than a slick studio, Hold Court by The Viceroyes is your kind of record. Released in 2013 on Crown Records, this German garage rock outfit delivers an album that’s equal parts raw energy and clever songwriting. It doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The album kicks off with “You Leave,” and man, it grabs you right away. Joerg Korries’ lead vocals have this raspy, lived-in quality that pairs perfectly with the driving rhythm section. The drum machine (courtesy of Rene Roggmann) might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but here, it adds a lo-fi charm that keeps things grounded. What really stands out is how simple yet effective the arrangement is—no unnecessary frills, just straight-up rock ‘n’ roll. By the time the chorus hits, you’ll find yourself nodding along whether you want to or not.
Another track that sticks with me is “(People Don’t Realize) I Don’t Care.” It’s got this swaggering groove that feels both cocky and carefree at the same time. Matthias Preuß’s lead guitar work shines here, weaving in these sharp riffs without ever overshadowing the rest of the band. There’s something about the way they layer the organ underneath everything—it gives the song this slightly psychedelic vibe, even though it’s firmly rooted in garage rock. Lyrically, it’s cheeky and relatable, capturing that universal feeling of being over people’s nonsense. You can tell they had fun recording this one.
What’s cool about Hold Court is how much personality seeps through every track. Sure, the production isn’t perfect—it’s rough around the edges, but that only adds to its charm. This isn’t music for people who need pristine soundscapes; it’s for those who appreciate authenticity over polish. Tracks like “Treat You Right” and “Saw Her Smile” show off their knack for crafting catchy hooks, while deeper cuts like “I Cry Now” reveal a more introspective side. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they sure know how to make it spin.
One thing worth mentioning is the sheer amount of multitasking going on here. Joerg Korries handles lead vocals, electric bass, and organ duties, while Rene Roggmann pulls triple duty on drums, flute, and engineering. It’s impressive, sure, but it also gives the album a cohesive feel, like all these pieces belong together because, well, they do.
By the end of Hold Court, you’re left with the sense that The Viceroyes didn’t set out to change the world—they just wanted to make some damn good rock music. And they succeeded. If you dig bands like The Stooges or early Black Keys, this album should definitely be on your radar.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: listening to this makes me wonder if they’d ever consider adding a live drummer instead of relying on the drum machine. Not saying it needs fixing, but it’d be interesting to hear how that changes their sound. Either way, Hold Court proves that sometimes less really is more.
