ROYAL CITY
LITTLE HEART’S EASE
(ROUGH TRADE RECORDS)

One of the tragedies of last years NME propelled new rock revolution was that the sincere, raw and captivating Dylan like ‘Alone At The Microphone’ was overlooked by many and did not get the attention it deserved. With ‘Little Heart’s Ease’ the colourful Canadian outfit has progressed to produce a melodious, heartfelt, intelligent and at times maudlin follow up. The ephemeral voiced ex Theological College

student Aaron Riches will sooth more minds than a dose of retail therapy and despite his religious leanings there are no sanctimonious pious preaching on the album. When religion is covered such as in the Hidden Cameras like ‘Jerusalem’, it is done so with objectivity.

Royal City’s retro inclinations shine out in the spine tingling Byrdsesque ‘Ain’t That The Way’, highlighting as well as anything the fact that Riches’ vocals have become soother and slicker than they were a year ago. Highlight track is the bouncy and uplifting love song ‘She Will Come’ possessing an ethereal gospel feel and oozing sincerity. Royal City are certainly a band coming of age and with the more polished and diverse feel to the album, they have cast their net wider in order to catch the attention of the sometimes slippery music loving public.

www.roughtraderecords.com

Catch Royal City on tour in June;

21/06/04 London, Water Rats
22/06/04 Liverpool, The Magnet (Hardman Street)
23/06/04 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
24/06/04 Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
25/06/04 Manchester, venue tbc
26/06/04 Bristol, Cube Cinema
28/06/04 Brighton, Komedia
29/06/04 Birmingham, Jug Of Ale
30/06/04 London, Arts Cafe

David Adair