ROYAL CITY
Alone At The Microphone (Three Gut)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Methinks the days of playing house parties are gone. Part of Royal City's charm is their aspiration to play in front of caring folk, no matter what the venue. Surely such tiny space impromptus will cease due to the inevitable skyrocketing popularity due to this grand new release. No kidding, this platter is a star maker. Slow tempo roots country, evocative vocals, brilliant playing and memorable tunes; it doesn't get much better than this. On a couple of occasions, Aaron Riches lets his voice slip close to the wonderful growl of his solo records past, and the results are startling. "Bad Luck" is one such number. It starts off with an eerie steel drum, an insistent acoustic guitar strum follows, Riches wades in and spars with a killer electric guitar lick as a banjo marches the song through to completion. "Bad luck came to me without warning". Who can't relate? This thing hits home. Hits deeper than you might want. Then again, you might want.

© 2001 - John Sekerka