The Royal Bear
Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"...their sound definitely claims some classic rock gods as influences. But they also employ equal parts 80s dance pop and some interesting post punk guitar lines." - Matt Ashworth, NadaMucho.com
The Royal Bear's debut ep is ideal. It's got four songs on it filled with a juicy wallop of flickering guitar work and New Romantic rhythm – add to this synths and pensive vocals, then shake it up and let it have its way.
At its heart it's dance music. Pins in My Heart pops open the ep, complete with cowbell, rapid drumming and lines like In class we would share glances/keep secret our romances – I always like things that rhyme and it's cleverly done. Last Leg is a perfectly dramatic heartbreak piece with groovy guitars: I can stay out way out later than you every night till I don't know you anymore. Better Off Lonely has some really cool bass work in it, another thing I think that is important in music – as are the lyrics that fit so well: This conversation's making me lose my sentimentality . . . Save your tears/I'm sure someone will be impressed. The final song of the ep, Dance Alone, gathers all strength and explodes: Your fishnets make me sweat . . . Don't make me beg or dance alone.
Though the band's sound is nearly an anomaly in Seattle, they remind me a bit of Classic Nouveaux, Visage and Ultravox – singer Rain's vocals are quite similar to Midge Ure's yet different enough that they are not derivative.
- Dagmar Patterson
"...the Seattle band is perfecting their collective sound of pop, dance and rock. The Royal Bear’s catchy lyrics and ’80s style beats are intended to break up the sometimes dormant crowds and get people moving. With influences like Joy Division and AC/DC, The Royal Bear is sure to please even the toughest ears."
- Weekly Volcano - The Weekly Volcano
Discography
The Royal Bear EP (August 2008)
Go to tracks:
#1 Pins In My Heart 3:27
#2 Last Leg 3:53
Attack LP (Jan. 2011)
Go to tracks:
#2 Keeping Secrets 3:58
#5 Sheppenwolf 4:48
#11 Become The Stars 4:19
#1 Guns At The Hip 4:26
Photos
Bio
The Royal Bear was founded on the concept that rock music can be fun, danceable, and catchy. They understand and are not afraid to use pop hooks, drawing inspiration from pop's past. They write songs with interesting, melodic riffs and vocal melodies that you can't help but hum to yourself.
They recently recorded with accomplished producer, Ryan Hadlock (The Strokes, Blonde Redhead, Metric, Gossip...). The album, Attack, is their first full length album.
Recommended for fans of: Bloc Party, The Strokes, Two Door Cinema Club, The Killers, Foals
Links
