Combine a packed crowd with a contagiously charismatic and high-energy performance and you’ll get a show that’ll leave you saying “wow, wow, wow”! Royal Republic had the whole crowd bouncing, with Dea Matrona perfectly setting the scene for a night that was both fast-paced and fun. Phillippa Walsh enjoyed a true feast for the senses...
This was a gig where both bands demonstrated immense passion and talent that had us hooked from the start. Vibrant and beautifully delivered, Dea Matrona paved the way for the rest of the night to follow. The two-piece band played numerous instruments across their set, layering them with soulful vocal harmonies in a way that appeared effortless.
During their performance, they asked whether anyone had seen them play their prior Nottingham shows, and seemingly no one had – yet Dea Matrona still had the whole crowd engaged as everyone clapped and chanted to their infectious melodies. Their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Oh Well got a particularly enthusiastic cheer, respectfully nodding to the original while allowing their own rich and individual style to shine through.
Then came the main event, with Royal Republic strutting onto stage and immediately owning it, fittingly emphasised by their opening song title My House. Leather clad and grinning ear-to-ear, Royal Republic presented themselves as both confident and brilliantly cheesy, exactly what you’d expect and want from a power-disco rock quartet. Keeping to theme, an LED electric bolt stood proudly behind them, adding to an already bright and colourful performance. Royal Republic were magnetic, keeping fans both old and new buzzing from start to finish.
Halloween hangovers did nothing to stop the groove, reminding everyone that while the holiday was over, the fun was not. Almost every song had the crowd jumping and singing along, pointing to the band’s talent for catchy lyrics and energetic rhythm. Highlights of the set had to be Tommy-Gun, Ain’t Got Time, and Electra, all of which had everyone dancing and moving even more than they already were. The crowd varied dramatically, but they all had one thing in common; they were there to party, and they partied hard.
The crowd were there to party, and they partied hard
The band revelled in the audience’s enthusiasm, with singer Adam Grahn striding into the crowd to create an even more personal experience, especially for the lucky individual who was humorously invited to play along with a cowbell.
Yet they not only fed off the energy of the crowd but also from performing together, leaning on each other and pulling faces throughout. From Per Andreasson’s punchy drumming and Jonas Almén's bold bass, to Hannes Irengård’s glamourous guitar riffs and Adam’s powerful yet silky vocals, everything just clicked to make an altogether sensational experience. Where their sound could have dissolved into chaos, there was a clear chemistry that instead kept it funky and fun.
As the night came to a close, the audience cried out for more. To our delight the band performed a three-song encore, ending with a bang as RATA-TATA had the whole crowd bouncing down to the final beat.
As the venue lights came on and people began to leave, it was clear from the mass of beaming faces and sweat-stained clothes that Royal Republic had infected us all with disco-fever –and we’d be coming back again and again for more.
Royal Republic performed at Rock City on 1st November 2024, with support from Dea Matrona.
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