At 6:35 p.m. on the Rivière stage, Australia’s new darlings, Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, took the stage. Hence the name of the rock band Royal Otis, a guitar-vocals duo accompanied by a drummer. To the cheers of a modest but very enthusiastic crowd, they were immersed in colourful projections, handwritten lyrics, and cool, youthful inserts. Royal Otis delivered an energetic and lively performance.
They opened the set with an energetic rendition of “Going Kokomo” and also treated us to “I Wanna Dance With You.” “Kool Aid,” a fan favourite, immediately got the crowd moving. The same was true for the title track from the album Sofa Kings.
PRATTS & PAIN treated us to “Adored” and the unmissable “Heading for the Door,” which won over the skeptics, not to mention “Fried Rice” and “Til the Morning.”
“Moody” was warmly welcomed, with several people singing along to the lyrics. “Car” mesmerized the audience for a moment. The covers of “Murder on the Dancefloor” (Sophie Ellis-Bextor) and “Linger” (The Cranberries) were pleasant surprises, while many had hoped to hear the single “Say Something.”
The hit that made them famous was saved for last, with “Oysters in My Pocket” providing the final fireworks.
This band was refreshing on this hot afternoon and well worth discovering in such a busy lineup. The guys from Royel Otis were one of my favorites of the day with their instinctive melodies and effortless charisma.
Photo Tim Snow for Osheaga
