Albums: Regent – Beggars Belief

Regent – Beggars Belief

Beggars Belief; Freight Train; The Thunder; She Checks My Head; Let Me In; Here We Go Again; Can’t You see; Oh No, I Know; Flying High; Liberation; Set Me Free; The Bonus Track

(Self Released) Available on all streaming platforms


Regent return with their brand of no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll, having forged a reputation as one of the finest and fastest-emerging acts in the country. There are few albums released that tackle widespread issues of political mistrust and economic struggles, from more introspective numbers that deal with personal hardships to the joy to be found in relationships—unless, that is, you happen to be Regent.

Lead singer Ben Rooke lets loose on another fine set of numbers here, with the political undercurrent delivered with a hard punch. The album kicks off with the title track, where Rooke's direct approach is evident through his powerful snarl on a track that serves as a rallying cry for the troops.

Never one to mince his words, there is a sneering takedown on Can’t You See that appears to describe the greed in higher government while the vast divide in society widens, all set against a grunge-like groove that sets the scene perfectly. The musical mood contrasts with the glam rock-inspired number She Checks My Head, though you never heard any of the Glam rock bands sing about the cost-of-living crisis as Regent eloquently do here.

At least in terms of apathy and rebellion, the atmosphere here draws heavily from the punk rock era, but Here We Go again takes a different turn, embracing a celebration within the band's confines.

None of these tracks will be played on the radio, though anyone who discovers this angry, gritty, yet glorious take on the state of the nation will be rewarded with the sound of a band riding a wind of change and making a statement so loud it is almost deafening.