Welsh four piece indie band The Royston Club first quickly gathered attention with their debut single Shawshank, released back in 2019, and on first listen, one thing was clear; they knew how to write a catchy chorus. Whether it was singer Tom Faithfull’s infectious vocals or guitarist Ben Matthias’ intricate playing, there was clear early indications that there was talent within the group.
Fast forward to 2023 and the lads are still singing about relationships and early love, but there’s an increased sense of scale in their sound and production, as well as impressive instrumentals that all comes together to successfully create a soundscape of adolescent life.
You’d be forgiven for thinking opener The Deep End is a Strokes cut, but that doesn’t make it any less of an enjoyable song. Quickly setting the tone for what’s to come, it contains all the charm and joy you’d expect from a song made by four lads in their youth. “Tragedy, one more indie band/ Played by both the egos of a dеsperate man” sings Faithfull, amongst a rumble of drum fills and punchy bass lines.
Throughout their debut, The Royston Club’s lyrics often follow the thematic patterns of adolescent love and loss, but the intricacies in their songwriting helps in making the group stand out. Shallow Tragedy, one of the standout singles, is a prime example, “Oh, honey, I’ve met girls like you, who twist knives just for fun/Amplify those inhibitions I can’t see” sings Faithfull, accompanied by one of the catchiest riffs of the year. Guitarist Matthias accompanies Faithfull on vocals during the bridge as they bounce off each other, collectively building to an empathic hook in the chorus.
Following that is the feel good I’m A Liar, featuring the LP’s best bass line and a charismatic chorus that you’ve grown to expect by this point. 52 is equally as vibrant and easily could have been a single, meanwhile Tender Curiosity has the albums best instrumental, with fingerpicking guitars and wailing guitar leads juxtaposing immensely to create an ethereal noise that Faithfull seems to feel right at home in.
Familiar fan favourites tracks have also been given a remastering, all of which to great success. Still possessing the same charm as seen before, Mariana sounds bolder in its presence, meanwhile Cold Sweats’ spoken word bridge remains as captivating as ever.
Closer Cherophobe is easily the standout track and more than worthy finisher to what is an extremely impressive first record. Initially released on an earlier EP, the band re-recorded it for Shaking Hips and the result is a massive hit. An orchestra of swings swoon in the chorus as Faithfull sings of heartache and missed opportunities, “I’m just a lost boy trying to understand/God knows I’m trying but she won’t lend a hand”. The final and more enhanced version is nothing short of impactful, seeming to take up more space in its improved instrumentation and sound. The band were proven to be right in its rerecording; a song realised to its full potential.
Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars is its own genre at its finest; a noisy celebration of youthful experiences that manages to soak up an entire culture in under an hour. The Royston Club’s talent shines not only in the album’s high points but throughout its entire canvas, leaving no room for doubt over it’s worth.
The Royston Club UK Tour Dates:
14/10/23: Newcastle — The Grove
15/10/23: Nottingham — Rescue Rooms
17/10/23: Glasgow — St Luke’s
19/10/23: Portsmouth — Wedgewood Rooms
20/10/23: Birmingham — The Mill
21/10/23: Leeds — The Wardrobe
23/10/23: Brighton — Patterns
24/10/23: London — Scala
25/10/23: Bristol — Fleece
27/10/23: Sheffield — 02 Academy 2
28/10/23: Manchester — New Century Hall