The Royal Chains

I’ve got three local artists up my sleeve that I think the world should be listening to in ‘08 and today I bring you the first– NYC based boys The Royal Chains have blessed Resonator with some fresh-out-of-the-studio tracks from their forthcoming EP.

The Chains craft bittersweet love songs from 60’s melodic pop sensibilities and au currant angst and neuroses. Guitarists and song-writers Adam Roddick and Ivan Malfa-Kowalski are the Davies brothers of the 21st century. Malfa-Kowalski’s Rickenbacker riffs are pure British Invasion while Roddick’s rhythm borrows heavily from early 90’s grunge, making for songs that are immediately familiar but off-kilter and beg for another listen (and another and another). The scathing disenchantment of Roddicks lyrics off-set by syruppy, cooing back up vocals are as perfectly balanced and insidious as a stiff gin and tonic. “Her faith was less than true but you still dug her,” he snarks on “No Love In Your Punches”, “you’ll dig her till your grave is deep enough for you.”

If you check out their site you can hear also hear “Girl on Fire.” The Royal Chains will be playing in NYC at Pianos on Tuesday, January 8th and at the Annex for their Club NME night on Thursday, January 10th. I highly recommend seeing them in action while you can still say you saw them when.
- Resonator Mag

The Royal Chains: A Candid Conversation

Written by Kristina Weise
October 6, 2008

Last Wednesday, my friend suggested we attend L Magazine’s Battle of the Bands in Williamsburg and I let out a yawn before saying, "‘I guess." I am not sure what prompted me to go, but perhaps somewhere in my cynical self remains an ounce of faith and a sputter of hope that I would stumble across a band that would kick my ass.

Ladies and gentlemen, my attention was not only held, but the music of The Royal Chains leaped off stage and viciously attacked the audience sending numerous shocks through the system. Where did this band come from? More importantly – where are the going (and can we please tag along)?














The Royal Chains: A Candid Conversation

Written by Kristina Weise
October 6, 2008

Opposite Photo: Adam Roddick





Last Wednesday, my friend suggested we attend L Magazine’s Battle of the Bands in Williamsburg and I let out a yawn before saying, "‘I guess." I am not sure what prompted me to go, but perhaps somewhere in my cynical self remains an ounce of faith and a sputter of hope that I would stumble across a band that would kick my ass.

Ladies and gentlemen, my attention was not only held, but the music of The Royal Chains leaped off stage and viciously attacked the audience sending numerous shocks through the system. Where did this band come from? More importantly – where are the going (and can we please tag along)?



Rarely does a three-piece arrive with such polished force that they threaten to shake - borderline possess - a fan’s very soul. The Royal Chains consist of Adam Roddick (lead & guitar), Mikey Stefanov (drummer) and Dan Lawley (bass guitar). Adam Roddick, has a voice capable of scratching through the current skepticism of New York City’s rock scene while presenting a nostalgic quality reminiscent of earlier pop sensations.

Personally, after watching this band steal the spotlight (Listen to "No Love in Your Punches" and try to resist dancing), I believe it is safe to say that The Royal Chains are capable of creating a one-stop destination to this island by offering a breath of electrified air to our generation’s polluted and under stimulated airwaves. It’s gritty gutsy music that is worth a listen.

Translation: Put you dancing heels on and get ready to rock out.







- New York Cool

"...After hearing one song each from the bands before the night, I was most looking forward to the last band - The Royal Chains. And they did not disappoint. They did shots before the set on stage - which is never bad form in my book. They definitely bring a good polished sound and a great stage presence. I loved that after their third song, lead singer Adam said that he didn’t care if it was going to cost them the battle and played a 4th song anyway. Look for them next at Bar Matchless on October 11."


- Meet Now Live