Upon being tasked with the daunting job of a choosing an “End Of Summer 2019” indie band from a Reverbnation list, For The Love Of Bands provided me a playlist of all the entrants. I have to first say, and not to sound like a broken MP4, the level of talent and performances from this group of acts is amazing. It never ceases to amaze me that just when you think all is lost in the music world, someone can change your mind, reinvigorate; it never fails.
This group of acts was no different. Sure there were stand out artists: Jordan Sleed, Heathcote Hill, Barefoot, to name a few. Artists that I discovered in my travels, that I will certainly “hang on to”. I’m excited about being a new fan and looking forward to their upcoming releases. But, one Aussie band took me by surprise with single, Accidental. Royal Chant or RC as they’re sometimes called is the brainchild of songwriter and guitarist, Mark Spence.
Although the lineup has changed a few times since their inception in 2009, Royal Chant has delivered some great songwriting and music, completely under the radar. Their single Accidental is an amalgamation of Jesus Jones singing/songwriting with a rhythm section steeped in early Slade. Anthem-like, galloping in rhythm and flag-waving in nature, Accidental is a lesson in garage(esque) recording with a soaring melody that borders on the beautiful.
Check out Royal Chant – Accidental on YouTube below, or listen via Spotify
Guitars, though rough and tumble are expertly produced, to be enjoyed instead of annoyed. Tones of yesteryear are mixed with current stylings and reverb/delay soaked guitar stabs making Accidental primed for indie success. This song is like one of those prickly things that you can’t get off of your sock, no matter how hard you try. But, it’s the kind of prickly thing that you should put on your friend's sock next time you see them. It’s all about sharing in this day and age, right?
There’s more to Royal Chant than just this single though. The 3 or 4 albums I had the pleasure of listening to, were stacked with surprises, heartfelt vocal performances, tongue and cheek songwriting, acoustic songs (Cargo Cults), fist-to-face fuzzfests (Did You Pay Cash For That Panic Attack?), it’s all there for us, the story of this great band living and breathing right under our noses. Plus they have super art direction, that never got anyone killed.
Royal Chant, in my humble (but excited) opinion, winner of “2019 ReverbNation End of Summer Featured Artist Contest”.
Stay tuned … tomorrow we'll publish the first part of our (Anti-) Top 40!
![Mandy James [Guest Author]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=20&d=identicon&r=g){kind=avatar}
Not as high on this band as Chris is. But wanted to say that I think they do a great job with the video on Accidental. The editing and effects are really engaging and draw you into the song. I wonder if they did it themselves or had it professionally done? Either way, it works great.
Love the music video and the song. Really enjoying the album as well. Digging the production. Good find.
This band is right up my alley! Catchy and honest. thanks for the find!
Loving the Dinosaur Jnr vibe they’ve got going on in, ‘Shutdown Corner’, great stuff.