Album review – Shayla Clarke
Up-and-coming Sydney duo Royel Otis are set to release their long-awaited debut album PRATTS & PAIN this week. Having formed in 2019, Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic are destined for greatness with the music that they are putting out into the world.
Although I’ve known about this duo for a while, you can’t help but be stunned with their growth in recent weeks since visiting triple j’s studios. Not only did they cover their own song ‘Fried Rice’, but they’ve since taken the world by storm with their cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’, which almost has 6 million plays on Spotify in just two weeks.
You might be wondering – why is their album called PRATTS & PAIN? Well, it’s named after the pub that was close to their chosen recording studio in South London, and was where they would often go to finish lyrics over a pint.
The first two songs are ones that we’ve heard before – ‘Adored’ and ‘Fried Rice’ which were both released as singles last year. If you’re familiar with the band then you know their songs are a mix of upbeat, yet punchy and indie inspired chords. Combined with Pavlovic’s brisky vocals, we know that we’re in for a good album ahead.
Now for the first song on the album that we haven’t heard – ‘Foam’. The beat in this gives me Tame Impala vibes. It’s important to note that this album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dan Carey (who plays the synthesiser on Wet Leg’s debut album), so you can tell he has a strong influence. This is undeniably a very catchy track and I’m loving the drumming.
An infectious song from the beginning, the opening beats of ‘Heading For The Door’ hits you with guitar-pop energy. This song is a great example of how Pavlovic’s soothing vocals can compliment such an up-beat song. This track would have to be my favourite from the album.
‘Velvet’ is another one that we have heard before. The duo said that “Velvet is the evolution of yet another failed endeavour”. Although a short track at only 2 minutes, its strong and powerful lyrics are ones that I can picture the crowd shouting in festival settings.
‘IHYSM’ is the next track and it’s not long before the acronym for ‘I Hate You So Much’ is mentioned. In fact, it’s the first line. This would be one of my top tracks off the record – it has a fast-paced beat and I can imagine dancing to this one with my friends live.
‘Molly’ is the slowest-paced and longest song on the album. I won’t lie, it’s hard to decipher the lyrics of this song unless you have the them in front of you. But the vocals and the guitar in this are beautiful, and it’s clearly a very vulnerable song.
The biggest track from this album yet having been released as a single back in March of 2023 is ‘Sofa King’. There is no denying that this duo are great at creating catchy hooks, and this song is no exception. The title of the song is a great play on words.
“I tried to get through. I guess it’s too late, but I really miss you” – ‘Always Always’ is a slower paced song with gut wrenchingly heart-breaking lyrics and a softer sound compared to the rest of the album.
You can tell that they had a lot of fun experimenting for their debut record. They’re stepped out of their comfort zone, taken risks and it’s absolutely paid off.
The pairing kick off their Australian tour on the day of their album launch, with all 14 shows completely sold out. They’re an exciting duo to keep an eye on and I truly believe that this is only just the beginning for them.
ROYEL OTIS TOUR DATES
MORE INFORMATION HERE
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
February 16 – Liberty Hall, Sydney, NSW
February 17 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay, VIC
February 18 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC (SOLD OUT)
February 21 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
February 22 – Liberty Hall, Sydney, NSW
February 23 – Kambri at ANU, Canberra, ACT
February 24 – UOW Uni Bar, Wollongong, NSW
March 1 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, SA
March 2 – Freo Social, Fremantle, WA
March 7 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour, NSW
March 8 – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
March 9 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast, QLD
March 10 – Solbar, Maroochydore, QLD
March 14 – King Street Bandroom, Newcastle, NSW
