Mamma Mia! Theres a new Swedish band!

Road Runner Records has proudly announced they are adding Royal to their Roster. Royal Republic, a band from Malmö, Sweden are loud, funky and on the march with their debut album “We Are The Royal”, leaving scorched earth and whole palaces reduced to rubble in their wake!


Before my discovery of Royal Republic, my conventional (and perhaps overly-stereotypical) thoughts of Sweden may have included blonde girls, the ABBA four-some, neoclassical shred metal and those yummy biscuits you sometimes find in Sainsbury’s. Now that my boyfriend has forcibly introduced me to We Are The Royal, I can confidently add Rock to that list.

The band consists of guitarist/lead singer Adam Grahn, guitarist Hannes Irengård, bass guitarist Jonas Almén and drummer Per Andreasson. 


We Are The Royal begins its journey with one-and-a-half-minute quickie “The Royal”.‘1, 2, 3’, Grahn impishly burbles, and the album is underway. The band begin as they mean to go on – with audacity, impudence and a certain happy-go-lucky vibe that’s infectiously hard to shake.

Powering through thirteen tracks, the album grasps echoes of the much-loved Indie scene and entwines them with elements of modern rock. The sound itself is difficult to pigeon-hole. But in a vague sentence? I suppose, Royal Republic sound like Franz Ferdinand, on steroids.


Founded at the end of 2007, Royal Republic’s sound is not only refreshing; it’s refreshingly different, as evidenced by the rapturous reactions to their September 2009 debut single, “All Because Of You”. Big, twangy guitars stabbing their way along a rumbling, tumbling bassline, all punctuated by knockout punch drumming and adorned by frontman Adam Grahn’s distinctive, vocals for an unmistakable dose of uniquely Royal Republic. 


Their second single ‘Tommy-Gun’ made its delightful way to #1 in MTV’s RockChart too. One listen to the black humor of album favourites like “Tommy Gun”, "Full Steam Space Machine" or (my ultimate favourite) “Underwear” and it’s obvious that Royal Republic don’t take themselves all too seriously.

Their début album made its first impression on the world when it was released to Sweden in February 2010, receiving almost universal praise and critical acclaim for a 34 minute mélange of potential, talent and in-your-face awesomeness.  Now its the UKs turn to take a listen to the Royals.


The highlight of the album; We Are The Royal, however, is without a doubt ‘Tommy-Gun’. Probably the catchiest song I’ve heard of the past six months (unlucky Rebecca Black), once you’ve been subjected to the geniality, cheekiness and good humour of the track, you’ll find yourself all day replaying the melody in your head and humming it out loud, regardless of whether you want to or not. It’s no surprise why the track dominated the MTV RockChart back in 2010.

Also check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiIwwClCWNk

And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lbZpFBGq1k

If you’re looking for some light-hearted escapism, We Are The Royal is definitely your port of call. In our musical climate of sheer sobriety. Majestic melodies, regal rhythms and a sincerely sovereign sound, these promising lads from Sweden truly are the royal.


-ZB