Royel Otis
The Neptune Theater // Seattle, WA // May 22, 2024
Photos and review by Rachael Dowd
Royel Otis took center stage at The Neptune in Seattle on May 22, igniting the venue with their dynamic performance. As the crowd eagerly awaited their arrival, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
From the moment Royel Otis stepped into the spotlight, it was clear that they were there to deliver a show to remember. Dressed in their signature styles, the band wasted no time diving into their setlist, immediately captivating the audience with their infectious energy as they opened with “Sonic Blue.”
The music of Royel Otis is a seamless fusion of genres, blending elements of pop and rock into a sound that is uniquely their own. Songs like “Fried Rice” and “Foam” showcased their incredible musicality, with each member bringing their own flair to the performance.
One of the most impressive aspects of the evening was the band’s tight-knit chemistry on stage. From the smooth grooves of the guitars to the soulful melodies of the keys, every instrument played a vital role in creating the band’s signature sound. It was clear that Royel Otis wasn’t just a duo – they were a musical family with their touring crew, seamlessly complementing each other’s talents.
But perhaps the most memorable part of the night was the band’s performance of “Sofa King.” As one of their most streamed songs to date, vocalist Otis Pavlovic took a step back from the microphone as the entire venue echoed the “you’re so fucking gorgeous” chorus back to the band, creating a harmonious moment of unity.
Royal Otis’ set also included their viral covers of “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Linger,” both of which caused an eruption of energy to emerge from the crowd. As the crowd sang the lyrics along with the duo, it was clear that many fans were there to hear those two songs in particular.
However, the crowd’s attentiveness and involvement throughout the entire set showed how Royel Otis’ musical impact has gone far beyond those two covers, fans instantly connecting with their original music.
As the final notes of “Kool Aid’ rang out and the lights dimmed, it was clear that Royel Otis had left their mark on The Neptune stage. Their performance was a testament to the power of live music to inspire, uplift, and unite people from all walks of life. If you ever have the chance to experience Royel Otis live, don’t miss it – you’ll be treated to a night of music that will stay with you long after the final encore.
