When I was contacted to cover U.S. Royalty at the Rickshaw Stop last weekend, I was reasonably hesitant. I had never heard of the band and from the looks of the promo pictures, I wasn’t sure if they were some kind of Kings of Leon rip-off with a passion for 70s-esqe rock clothing. It seemed too cock-rockish and I didn’t even like the name of the band. But after giving them a listen, I was convinced pretty quickly.

Opening was Pancho-san, a combination of two members of Beulah, Patrick Abernethy (from Rogue Wave) and Eli Crews. The sound of the band was not too far off from what you’d expect. Basic rock hooks with a Pet Sounds-like modesty that is seen in, well, a lot of bands nowadays. Incorporating a lofty and soft sound very similar to both Beulah and Rogue Wave, Pancho-san is still very young but can maintain an audience’s attention. I will admit I wasn’t bored, so I guess they have something good going for them.

When I first heard U.S. Royalty, I wasn’t sure if I was hearing a more intimidating side of Local Natives or a less intimidating side of Kasabian. What I mean by that is if you listen to songs like Equestrian or Monte Carlo, you can hear harmonies that are so apparent in modern community based folk rock without being too forced. But if you listen to Hollywood Hollows or the uplifting Vacation Vacation, you hear a heavily British rock ‘n roll side that seems almost dialed down to compensate for accessibly. It’s a weird combination only in the sense that it hasn’t been successfully pulled off yet. But U.S. Royalty isn’t meant for bedrooms and headphones. It’s meant to be turned up in a car or in this case, heard live.

U.S. Royalty is sharp and didn’t seem thrown off at all during their set. With the lead singer’s wavy hand gestures and dramatic singing style added with the band’s joyous delivery, they come off like they care about performing in front of whoever is paying attention. On that note, a lot of people were doing exactly that.

Maybe it was that the audience felt familiar with what U.S. Royalty was trying to create. Whatever it was, the crowd seemed impressed and as was I. They still looked like a Kings of Leon cover band with a band name that is just waiting to be resented. But looks aren’t everything and these guys made sure I understood that. Now hopefully they can lose the leather jackets put on a t-shirt for Christ’s sake.

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U.S. Royalty – Equestrian from Mirrors (2011)

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U.S. Royalty – Monte Carlo from Mirrors (2011)

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