Review: Royel Otis at The Anthem

On Sunday, Sept. 14th, Royel Otis took over The Anthem in a sold-out show for their sophomore album, hickey. The crowd was a mix of die-hard groupies who flew in from Australia, longtime D.C. fans who’d been waiting for their return, and new listeners who found them through their TikTok virality this past year. From the moment doors opened, the energy built like a slow burn.

An hour before showtime, London-based rock newcomers bby took the stage. What started as people milling around quickly turned into a full-on “jam session” (and the band called their set). Stretching out fan favorites like “Kinky” and “Breathe” with sprawling guitar and drum solos, they had the room bouncing and won themselves plenty of new fans in the process of getting the crowd hyped for Royel Otis.

Then, thirty minutes later, the lights cut out. One by one, the members of Royel Otis emerged, no introduction needed. In the classic style of the group’s digitals, “(this is royel otis live)” flashed on the screen, and then, without missing a beat, they dove straight into “i hate this tune,” a rising hit from hickey, and the room erupted. As the bands' visuals blended together, and their similar jam-style indie rock songs continued, this concert felt more like a collective dance party than a show. Fans in the back claimed open floor space to go full out, while the pit surged together and sang every word. During “dancing with myself,” lead singer Otis encouraged,  “dance with the person next to you,” and the crowd actually did. and turned the event into more than a concert in which fans watched the stage, but a show where the fans were just as much a part of it as the band. 

From co-founder and lead guitarist Royel Maddell’s almost devotional bond with his instrument—carrying the melodic heart of the show—to Otis Pavlovic’s youthful yet soulful voice that pulled the crowd in, the band built an intimate, electric universe where fans could escape and spend the night knowing nothing but Royel Otis.