This Friday sees the release of the self titled debut album from Brooklyn based outfit Roya. Stripped back in form, it boasts hypnotic helpings of minimalist garage, surf, post punk and psych elements that allow the space for singer and band founder Rahill Jamalifard’s (Habibi) vocals to shine despite her intentional nihilist like delivery. Drummer David Kilgour from the seminal New Zealand jangle pop outfit The Clean lent his talents to the recording and his restless yet disciplined beats fit perfectly with the overall lo-fi vision here*. Throw in Jay Heislemann’s (Grooms) spindly licks and melodies, Tyler Love’s jangly rhythms as well as the light touch of Alix Brown’s (Angry Angels, The Lids) driving bass work and you’ve got an impressive debut that flays the hypocrisies inherent in both modern America and its history, the emptiness of the neoliberal social structure and ever-present dangers stemming from complacency and apathy. The three singles released from the album thus far are below, including the a live performance of ‘Maleman’. The video for ‘End Times’ released upon the election of the hard right wing Trump regime last year provides a stark visual to those lyrical sentiments. Roya is out on June 2 through Burger Records. Order it here.
*Lyla Vander is now on drums.
Tracklist
1. The Lord’s Chirp
2. Rich Kid
3. A Sickness
4. End Times
5. Mailman
6. Scum Rise
7. Beautiful And Evil
8. Allergic Reaction
9. Dr. Death
10. 1234
11. Mod With Feelings
End Times
Roya (USA)
From the forthcoming album, ‘Roya’, Burger Records. Out Jun 2.
Roya Facebook
Official Video
Scum, Rise
Roya (USA)
From the forthcoming album, ‘Roya’, Burger Records. Out Jun 2.
Audio Stream
A Sickness
Roya (USA)
From the forthcoming album, ‘Roya’, Burger Records. Out Jun 2.
Audio Stream
Mailman
Roya (USA)
From the forthcoming album, ‘Roya’, Burger Records. Out Jun 2.
Live @ BTR Live Studio