Introduction:
Toronto’s The Royal Family isn’t your average rock band. They delve into the world of psychedelic rock and acid folk, drawing inspiration from the underground legends of the 60s and early 70s. Think Incredible String Band, Magic Carpet, Kaleidoscope, and Mark Fry – The Royal Family channels their spirit with a retro twist, offering a heady trip for fans of early experimental rock and folk. Hints of Pink Floyd‘s early space rock blend with the progressive leanings of Giles, Giles, and Fripp, solidifying their niche in the psychedelic revival scene.
Members & Background:
The Royal Family‘s members are seasoned musicians, also involved in projects like Wine Lips (whose recent album deserves a listen!), Possum, The John Denver Airport Conspiracy, ROY, and Hieronymus Harry. Their self-titled debut, released on January 26th, 2024, spans labels across continents – Cardinal Fuzz (UK), Echodelick (USA), and We, Here & Now (Canada). This vinyl gem, limited to 200 copies, is a collector’s dream, so act fast if you crave a physical copy.
Musical Style:
The Royal Family‘s music revolves around simple melodies, clean guitar chords, and layered vocals, all supported by a laid-back percussion. Each track becomes a mini-exploration, introducing new sonic textures. “Morning Song” features the sitar’s Eastern charm, “Chocolat” adds a touch of whimsy with flutes, and “For The Birds” embraces nature’s sounds with field recordings, forgoing percussion altogether. Their focus on unique instrumentation fuels creative exploration. Soothing guitar work and a rotating cast of vocalists keep things interesting, creating a cohesive flow with enough variety to hold your attention.
Lyrical Themes & Influences:
The album’s titles – “For The Birds,” “Chrysalis,” “I’m The Wind,” “When I Was A Butterfly” – hint at a connection with nature, transformation, and flight, all central themes in psychedelic philosophies. The music itself reflects this, offering a relaxing soundscape that encourages slowing down and appreciating the world around you. Krautrock influences also peek through, adding a touch of free-form improvisation to the mix.
Uniqueness & Genre Exploration:
Few bands dare to revisit this specific era and style of psychedelic music. The original masters often reside in dusty vinyl bins, commanding high prices. This creates an opportunity for artists like The Royal Family to rekindle the genre’s flame and introduce it to a new generation. Their sound is firmly rooted in analog, with an “acid folk” and “psychedelic folk” essence. While the genre primarily flourished in the UK and Europe, leaning towards the folk side with dashes of Eastern influences, The Royal Family avoids straying too far from their folk roots, unlike American psychedelic folk’s embrace of rock and blues (think Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane).
Conclusion:
The Royal Family‘s debut is a lighthearted journey filled with meditative qualities and positive vibes. They masterfully capture the spirit of the “LSD 60s” like few can, offering a unique sonic experience for fans of classic psychedelia. Whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or a curious newcomer, this album is a worthwhile exploration into a bygone era, revitalized with fresh energy.
https://cful.bandcamp.com/album/the-royal-family-s-t
https://cardinalfuzz.bigcartel.com/product/the-royal-family-s-t-cardinal-fuzz
