Rating 7/10 – VERY GOOD
Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, aka Royel Otis, have mastered the art of weaving pop-inflected narratives of heartbreak. Launching their collaborative project, Royel Otis, in 2019, the Australian pair have drawn heavily on their shared appreciation for the Alessi Brothers’ track “Seabird”. This influence has propelled them to create three unique EPs, a captivating reinterpretation of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit “Murder On The Dance Floor’, and homages to Byron Bay that romantically evoke oysters, fleeting summer romances, and the joy found in unexpected moments. Their music, infused with a Joy Division-like dream pop essence, embraces the indie aesthetic through its use of specific instrumentals and poetic themes reminiscent of the 2000s, a period defined by bands like Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Santigold. Royel Otis’s sound, characterized by its vinyl-centric nostalgia, casual outdoor gatherings, serendipitous encounters, and the way it uniquely addresses the complexities of love through a fusion of mesmerizing synths, is distinctively their own and has been honed with a marked confidence.
Their latest project, PRATTS & PAIN, showcases their ability to diversify remarkably. This debut album, which draws its name from a South London bar and benefits from the production prowess of Dan Carey (known for his work with Foals and Wet Leg), sees the duo from Sydney artfully blending various eras of guitar pop into a sound that resonates with today’s audience. The boys bring their exuberant and delightful charm to this incredibly catchy record. Check out “Oysters In My Pocket” below: