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    HM Magazine #76/Royal
    Royal — My Dear cover

    Royal

    My Dear

    (1998)

    Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern

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    Label Tooth & Nail RecordsHM Magazine #76March 1999
    dream popemoindie rockmodern rock

    I remember reviewing this band when they were indie, and boy have they progressed. Sometimes the Puller / Stavesacre type guitars will drop out, and some much "prettier" tones underneath will rise and stretch. There are some nice female vocals (by Elvira Nikolaisen), which are at times reminiscent of Tess Wiley, with strength in a breathy, airy quality. Still, other vocals, by Elvira's brother, Emil, are slanted toward the hardcore end of the spectrum. Something truly unique here, for sure, and plenty hard when needed.

    Other coverage for this album

    Opus 2000Reviewed by Nolan ShigleyRoyal hails from the land of Norway, which poses the question; do they sound like ABBA or the Cardigans? (Editor's Note: Yes, we realize those groups are from Sweden.) For some of you, the answer is thankfully neither. I was somewhat relieved myself they broke the monotony. Elvira Nikolaisen's vocals are the closest resemblance the band has to the more well-known Scandinavian groups (especially…

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    Also in HM Magazine #76

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