Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY — September 26, 2024

Royel Otis made a massive splash at Brooklyn Steel on a lively night, delivering a performance that showcased their unique blend of surf-pop, indie rock, and nostalgic vibes. The Australian duo captivated the crowd with a carefully curated setlist that balanced hits, new favorites, and a couple of perfect covers.

The night kicked off with “Heading for the Door,” a mellow yet captivating opener that immediately pulled the audience into Royel Otis’s dreamy soundscapes. As the jangly guitars and smooth vocals filled the venue, fans swayed in unison, perfectly primed for the journey ahead. Following up with “Adored,” they quickly ramped up the energy, and from that point on, the show didn’t slow down.

One of the night’s standout moments came with “Motels,” where the band created a lush, almost cinematic atmosphere. The song’s dreamy, reverb-soaked guitars and emotional depth struck a chord with the audience, and you could feel the energy shift to a more introspective vibe. By the time they played “Foam” and “Claw Foot,” fans were singing along with fervor, completely immersed in the music.

As they rolled through more fan favorites like “Sonic Blue” and “I Wanna Dance with You,” the atmosphere at Brooklyn Steel felt electric, with the band and audience feeding off each other’s energy. “Fried Rice” and “Til the Morning” maintained the momentum, showcasing the band’s knack for mixing catchy, upbeat tracks with more introspective numbers.

Their performance of “Sofa King” was another highlight, its chill groove a stark contrast to the high-energy finale that would follow. The room absolutely erupted during “Going Kokomo,” a bouncy track that had fans dancing along, while the band seemed to be having just as much fun as the audience. Before wrapping up, Royel Otis surprised the crowd once more with their cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor,” adding a playful touch to the end of the night. Fans waved their arms and sang along, clearly feeling every word.

The duo closed the show with “Oysters in My Pocket,” a perfect send-off, leaving the audience wanting more. The band delivered a set that was a rollercoaster of emotions—dreamy, upbeat, nostalgic, and undeniably fun. Their ability to blend genres and surprise the crowd with both their originals and covers made for a truly memorable night at Brooklyn Steel. Royel Otis is a band to watch, and if you missed them this time, make sure to catch them live the next time they go on tour—you won’t want to miss it.

Words & Photography: Chinaza Ajuonuma