The Third Eye

I’ve always thought Americans’ obsession with the British Royal Family was silly. Who gives a shit about King Charles and Prince Harry? I sure as hell don’t. But for whatever reason, many Yankees can’t help themselves by consuming tons of articles and other media about the monarchy.

This brings me to an upcoming record by a different type of monarchy, a musical one called The Royal Family, a seven-piece French/English baroque psychedelic group from Toronto, Ontario. The band consists of members of Possum, ROY, Hieronymus Harry, The John Denver Airport Conspiracy (brilliant band name, there), and Wine Lips. Their new self-titled album will drop on December 1st via We, Here & Now Recordings, Echodelick Records, and Cardinal Fuzz.

Almost anything these small labels put out is excellent lately, and this upcoming LP by The Royal Family continues the hot streak.

About The Royal Family

The LP was recorded straight to tape over 2021-2022 by Patrick Leffler and mastered by Jeff McMurrich using all analog equipment. During the writing process, the band found inspiration in much obscure, eclectic music, including Giles, Giles and Fripp, Kaleidoscope (UK), The Fairport Convention, Soft Machine, Francois Hardy, Brigette Bardot, and Zouzou.

“The genesis of the LP revolves around the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the becoming and realizing of the self,” The Royal Family says. That’s a beautiful concept and something the actual Royal Family can probably give two shits about. The band tells us to “have a listen with incense and peppermints by your side,” and while I didn’t exactly do that while listening to the album, I can say that I enjoyed it anyway.

The Songs

The Royal Family LP consists of 10 songs that blend beautiful instrumental arrangements, a sometimes folksy vibe, and always interesting listening. The album kicks off with “Morning Song,” a track with a heavy Oriental sound thanks to the sitar playing by Jordan Sosensky. It’s a perfect way to start the record, as it grabbed my attention immediately.

“La Ciel Blue” has a happier, more whimsical feel, a sort of dance-hall tune that reminds me of some of Paul McCartney’s more light-hearted Beatles songs. The psychedelic influence is still there, though, especially in the distorted vocals. “La Mansion Du Bonheur” carries on with a mystical Sixties-styled psych-pop sound. It’s a wonderful, rather short track that, and midway through, it slinks into a carnivalesque sound.

“Chocolat” is another short one, about two and a half minutes long, with vocals sung in French. It’s a fun song and a very cheery one. “For The Birds” sees The Royal Family in a psychedelic folksy mood, with a slower tempo. “You must relax/there’s no turning back,” we hear, and it doesn’t sound as frightening as it may because it’s sung in such a sweet tone.

“Chrysalis” is one of the longest and most interesting songs, as the band creates a rather riveting instrumental with all sorts of sonic delights. It makes for good music for focusing on work or another task, as you may feel like you’re on a secret mission while the song plays.

“Metamorphosis” is a real throwback similar to “For The Birds” in its languorous and mystical folksy sound. It’s also the first song that made me think of the album’s theme of the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the realization of the self. The track seamlessly blends into “I’m The Wind,” another gorgeous song.

It was then that I realized what “Metamorphosis” and “For The Birds” sounded so much like: Pink Floyd’s Meddle from 1971! I couldn’t figure it out while listening, but I went back and listened to songs like “Fearless” and “A Pillow of Winds,” it hit me right between the eyes. I’m unsure if this album influenced The Royal Family or if there’s something else that sounds like Meddle that had more influence, but I was relieved that I remembered because it was driving me crazy.

The Royal Family LP closes with “When I Was a Butterfly, Pt. 1” and “Pt. 2.” “Pt. 1” feels a bit tongue-in-cheek and also has a strong vintage, Sixties pop feel, especially in the chorus. “Pt. 2” features Jack Shooter on the mellotron and is an excellent way to close things out. The caterpillar has formed into a butterfly and emerged from its cocoon, spreading its wings and flapping around triumphantly. The self has been realized! What beauty!

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed The Royal Family’s self-titled LP, and I got so lost in the music that I forgot all about Queen Elizabeth. It’s hard to categorize music like this and compare it to other bands, though I did compare it to Pink Floyd’s Meddle. I’d say check this one out for yourself and be the judge. It includes psychedelic influences, and the strongest parts of the record are when it dips into the acid folksy territory.

The Royal Family will drop on December 1st, so keep your eyes peeled for the release from We, Here & Now Recordings, Cardinal Fuzz, and Echodelick Records. The record will get a 200-vinyl pressing and, of course, will be available on Bandcamp digitally for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Support The Royal Family by finding them on Bandcamp or Instagram.

Support We, Here & Now Recordings by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook).

Support Cardinal Fuzz by finding them on Bandcamp or Facebook.

Support Echodelick Records by finding them on Bandcamp, their official website, or Instagram.

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