There’s something very special about those boys from Wrexham. Beginning their Spring headline tour in Belfast, the four-piece indie starlets brought their infectious jangly melodies to a crowd that welcomed them with open arms. Despite still being so young in their career, The Royston Club already seem like a safe bet for a future indie gargantuan.
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of listening to their debut album ‘Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars’ which was released in June 2023 will be familiar with the band’s knack for producing earful melodies and anthemic choruses, and their live performances never shy from recreating their already signature sound for the stage.
Their setlist never dipped below pure delight, with openers ‘Blisters’, ‘Shallow Tragedy’ and ‘Cold Sweats’ setting the crowd alight; the spoken word section of the latter always being a highlight of the night.
The band’s true adolescent anthem ‘Cherophobe’ is always a show-stealer, and Faithfull’s demanding vocal performance rose to the occasion, piercing through the instrumentals and providing the necessary emotion that the song carries so well. ‘A Tender Curiosity’ made a rare live appearance too, begging the question of why it’s not a certainty for the setlist. In addition to being not only one of their best tracks, the song acts as a welcomed breather in between the wall of indie noise, with Faithfull and Matthias sharing the stage alone for their blissful ballad.
‘Mrs Narcissistic’ and ‘Mariana’ ripped up the stage like they always do, with the former continuing to be the true fan favourite, receiving the best reception of the night. There was also three newly unheard songs featured on the setlist, with each one possessing the signature charm and excellent musicianship we’ve grown to associate with the band. “If they’re shit, please don’t boo us,” said Faithfull before bursting into song. To no one’s surprise, they weren’t, with Dave Tute’s bass lines and Matthias’ lead playing particularly shining.
‘I’m A Liar’ finished the night off, allowing frontman Faithfull to strut his stuff without his guitar, parading around the stage with microphone in hand and enough hip shaking to please all of the dad dancers in the room. Although the crowd was great for their second gig in Belfast, it would be an easy prediction for The Royston Club to return to a much bigger venue after the release of album two.
Words by Niall McGreevy