The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA — July 8, 2026

It’s a beautiful warm July evening in sunny Los Angeles. You’re with your friends: waxing your surfboard after a quick headfirst dunk into the cold Pacific ocean water. The sun’s casting a sanguine orange glow over the high tide waves, quietly drying your skin into a saline crisp. That’s when you notice: there’s oysters in your pocket.

Despite being ~7,500 miles apart, Sydney and Los Angeles are deeply connected through their love of the beach: sharing a love for that optimistic indie surf rock sound that just compels you to frolic across the sand with your best friends. That is exactly what allows Royel Otis to sell out LA’s Greek Theatre on the opening show of their North America tour. Coming off their hit performance at Coachella 2026, the Sydney-based duo remarked on how special it was to sell out their first North American headlining show. And they delivered; getting the crowd immediately on their feet with the infectious beat of “i hate this tune”—their lead single off their latest album, Hickey.

With sun-soaked guitar riffs and a beat that transcends young adulthood, the duo encouraged everyone to take charge of their own coming-of-age story through “who’s your boyfriend.” Their performance empowers you to be the main character of your endless summer, and their live performances fully encompasses that warm and fuzzy feeling you get during those little moments. “car” embodies the euphoria of having your windows down while you drive along the coastline; “kool aid” has you dancing around your bedroom while you use the juice bottle as a makeshift microphone; and “moody” has you strutting down a sidewalk, headphones in, as you opine about your moody girlfriend.

Otis and Roy then joined the crowd on a small B-stage by the mezzanine, where they gave fans an unforgettably intimate and captivating live rendition of their viral cover of “Linger.” The mid-90’s alt rock nostalgia fits their sound so well, and it’s only fitting for them to share that moment while standing with their fans. Returning to the stage, the duo punctuated the show with their 2023 hit, “Sofa King” as well as a vibrant cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor.” More importantly, their encore “Oysters in My Pocket” lasted as a reminder us to always keep whimsy and wonder in our hearts. In a world dominated by sans-serif fonts, bland corporate marketing, and AI slop, Royel Otis reminds us that in a world where life gives you oysters in your pocket, you save them for lunch.

Words & Photography: Ethan Vovan