Royal Republic’s morphosis from Eagles of Death Metal on speed to disco rock has felt natural but also made their existence even more necessary than they were before. Indeed, they’re the soundtrack to every kind of Saturday night you’ve ever had. So it’s apt they’re playing Rock City on such a night.
Given it’s Saturday night, the early kick-off is unsurprising and The Intersphere are definitely up to the job of warming us up. The Germans take a lot of their cues from mid-career Biffy whilst pumping it through their own brand of progginess. Despite the mammoth number of guitar changes, it never feels gratuitous. Rather this is a solid bunch of musicians who not only know how to work a crowd but win over one which isn’t theirs, taking their craft seriously without being po-faced about it. Guitars are clean and precise, mingling with the SPD to create bright, technical soundscapes without turning pretentious whilst bass rumbles with oodles of groove.
A special mention has to go to drummer Paul Seidel who is standing in for Moritz Mueller tonight and on the two preceding shows (plus another in early March), despite his status within the band, he owns the material as if it’s his own and his double bass work on the final song, “Prodigy Composers” is exactly that – prodigious. There’s such an eclectic mix of people in tonight, given the headliners, it’s hardly a shock but it seems a big pocket of people near the front are into it; either they’re existing fans or they’re simply open-minded and welcoming a new band. Crowd suitably warmed up, they bring the atmosphere up on the damp, cold February evening, impressing without stealing the show.
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When your latest album is Lovecop, the live experience is tailor-made for recreating its opening with “Intro My House” serving as the intro tape for Royal Republic to take to the stage before they launch into “My House” in earnest. Rippling with sultriness and power in equal measure, it shows both sides of the band, letting Nottingham know they’re not in the house – we’re in their house for the next ninety minutes and they’re about to give us one hell of a Saturday night. Every song they play tonight from their varied arsenal is upbeat, their evolution still sharing that core DNA – make great music which is fun and you can sing and dance along with; it’s sheer escapism.
Frontman Adam Grahn is the first to admit they don’t know their genre and have confused themselves, fans, and music industry professionals alike. But they’re doing what they’re doing and judging by the packed room, there’s plenty of people who are more than happy to take them as they are and enjoy the ride. What’s always been great about Royal Republic is their blend of sass, musicality and humour.; all four Swedes on stage are charismatic as fuck and if it were possible, they should bottle it and sell it on the merch table. They perfectly walk the tightrope of taking their craft seriously but not taking themselves seriously. And what sells it is the fact they’re all great musicians, each of them drawing from different influences to make a truly unique band – seriously, find another band who sounds like them in 2025.
Moreover, they just know how to put on a show, it’s high energy, engaging and not an act – these are four guys who genuinely love their job and playing with each other, the on-stage chemistry should be the envy of every band. They use dynamics as if it’s a toy, effortless and without cynicism. As the Explorer comes out for “Back From the Dead”, there’s a tease. And when you have that guitar in your hand, you just have to. “Raining Blood”’s iconic riff is unleashed before Grahn asks “Are you confused?” No, I’m entertained. They use this one-two punch as a stepping stone to the mid-point of the set and pull out one of their biggest numbers; “Full Steam Space Machine” has the entire floor bouncing before bringing it back down with an acoustic/acapella (complete with excellent vocal harmonies) rendition of “Boomerang” and then into their covers of “Stayin’ Alive” and “Venus” from their Blastbeaters EP. “I’m So Excited” and “Go West” may have been missing in action but if any band could get away with playing a full EP as one section of their live set, it’s Royal Republic. Imagine some of the all-time great pop disco numbers ramped up with a more rock flare, tongue firmly planted in cheek yet played reverently and you get the idea.
Royal Republic make the sort of music and give you the kind of night that makes you want to keep going and see what this life has to offer. Whilst people may not find themselves in the lyrics, that’s not what they’re about. The finale of “Fireman & Dancer” and “Tommy-Gun” are proof of that – it’s high-octane fun, powered by riffs, pop smarts and musical proficiency of the highest order. And it’s the last point which is the most important bit because if these four guys weren’t at the top of their game, this just wouldn’t work and would be, to borrow the Gen Z parlance, cringe. The last couple of years have seen the band visit the UK rather frequently after a spell away so if they’re making up for lost time – long may it continue.
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Royal Republic: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube
The Intersphere: official | facebook | instagram | youtube
