Since the release of their much-loved debut album ‘PRATTS AND PAIN,’ Royel Otis fans have been pleading for more. From the moment their first release of the year ‘Moody ‘arrived, it was obvious the group were ready to outdo themselves on new album ‘Hickey’.
“My girl’s a bitch when she’s moody” lead singer Otis Pavlovic fuses sassy lyrics into a track already bursting with energy. Inviting guitar hooks and subtle drums keep the single fun and playful, more like they are sharing annoyance then anger.
Handing us a multitude of songs where the duo prove themselves to be masters of turning their hurt and personal stories into sun-soaked indie-summer hits, ‘Hickey’ is bound for success. Despite lyrics focused on breakups, second release ‘Car’ follows form with a catchy rhythm and radiant guitar.
Immediately flaunting blissful guitar riffs, ‘Who’s Your Boyfriend’ is not only a driving with the windows down and music on full volume type of song but also simply a personal favourite. Capturing the fuzzy feeling of confusion when someone you like is seeing someone else even though you know you could treat them better, the track is bouncy with upbeat guitar hooks that could be mistaken for something from a 2000’s MGMT album.
While most of the album is their usual style of bright, cheery music some tracks like ‘Come On Home,’ ‘She’s Got a Gun’ and ‘Jazz Burger’ tip the other end of the scale being more downbeat and heartfelt. The band took to Instagram to tease final track ‘Jazz Burger’ by stating ‘this is a song about a spicy burger horn growing out of your chest.’ Exactly what they meant by that is unknown but the song is surprisingly gentle with calming guitar that soaks the track in relaxation alongside Otis’s soothing vocals “when I’m gone you come crawling back into my arms.”
‘Say Something’ is another track which can’t be ignored. Immediately on repeat the single is riddled with infectious riffs that mirror their most popular past releases like ‘Oysters In My Pocket,’ making it sure to be a fan favourite.
On the title ‘Hickey’ Royel Otis said, “because love bites harder than any other emotion in the world”, a theme that is obvious throughout the album which dives deep into love and betrayal. Paving their way through the indie scene rapidly, the duo are preparing to take to stages across America, the UK, EU and Australia to showcase their passionate new album.
Royel Otis: Hickey – Out 22 August 2025 (OURNESS / Capitol Records)
Otis – who’s your boyfriend (Official Music Video)
