Somewhere between the rock and pop of Big Star, early Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and REM lies Canada’s Tribe Royal

The band’s new album Colours of the Sun interweaves magical guitar pop with ambitious songs.

Catching Up opens up the cd with an almost Sloan/REM vibe, Wasting Time jangles in a mid 60’s Byrds/Skydiggers mode and the guitar hook and harmonies of My Kind of Girl takes it’s cue from a Brit Pop 1965 vibe.

If that was not enough College Radio should be all over songs such as I’m Not Gonna Wait, the almost Greg Keelor/Outskirts haunting moan of Loraine and the gorgeous ballad Don’t You Change which ends with a killer guitar solo.

Impressive?

You bet.

North American Radio and fans should welcome this band with open arms!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, Sun and Post Media contributor, and singer-songwriter with Canadian rockers THE SHAFTMEN - John Emms Reviews

Their sound covered a diverse spectrum of rootsy alt-rock flavours that delved into off-shoots of country, blues, folk, and classic rock. Laid back, easy listening, and dance inducing, every song delivered a feel-good vibe, and completely memorable melodies with catchy hooks. - Apt613

If you like: The Sheepdogs, CCR, The Allman Brothers Band) Ottawa alternative folk rock band Tribe Royal may not have been alive during the ’60s and ’70s, but that doesn’t stop them from being apart of the revival. The indie four piece turn back the clocks with generous harmonies, vintage rock groove, and sing-along melodies reminiscent of the pioneering days of Americana and folk rock.
Set to release their second album Colours of the Sun this May, but before then, Tribe Royal have shared their lead single “Wasting Time”. Incorporating elements of ’60s rock, and ’70s folk into their sound, the new single is perfect for the upcoming summer months and the open road. Built around the laid-back, harmony-fuelled chorus of “Wasting time / day after day”, “Wasting Time” is driven forward with energetic percussion and a crafty guitar solo, as Tribe Royal create bright, summery tunes without needing to try too hard. “ - DUSTY ORGAN

…. A four-piece indie band, named Tribe Royal, had just started their set and the music grabbed me instantly. Their sound covered a diverse spectrum of rootsy alt-rock flavours that delved into off-shoots of country, blues, folk, and classic rock. Laid back, easy listening, and dance inducing, every song delivered a feel-good vibe, and completely memorable melodies with catchy hooks….


Friday and Saturday during Cityfolk boasted some amazing Ottawa talent featured as a part of Marvest… a showcase series organized by the festival. Several Bank Street businesses were the site of these shows, and on Friday night, I dropped by FarmTeam Cookhouse to catch a couple of our local artists, the first one being Tribe Royal.

Outside on the restaurant’s large patio and parking lot was where it was all happening, looking every bit like a vibrant campground scene with Adirondack chairs and tables scattered below the raised porch area, and the band set up on a section of the parking lot. A four-piece indie band, named Tribe Royal, had just started their set and the music grabbed me instantly.

Their sound covered a diverse spectrum of rootsy alt-rock flavours that delved into off-shoots of country, blues, folk, and classic rock. Laid back, easy listening, and dance inducing, every song delivered a feel-good vibe, and completely memorable melodies with catchy hooks.
“Blood Red Rose,” a song about travelling and being out on the road, had some of that country/folk Blue Rodeo goodness, as did one of their newer pieces, “Sunset Band,” which had some nice changes into the bridge, and great 3-piece vocal harmonies during the chorus. Their current single, “Wasting Time,” triggered some hand-clapping from the audience, with its uplifting rhythm and melody. The band also showed some great stage interaction, which turned the warm fun factor up a notch. “My Kind Of Girl,” “Catching Up” and “What You Do To Me” were laced in an infectious 60s psychedelic pop-rock flavour, reminiscent of bands like The Zombies. I enjoyed the Alice In Chains rawness of “Serpent Queen,” and the very Chris Isaak feel of their three-quarter timed set closer, “Don’t You Change,” which had a gorgeous flowing vocal melody.
Look for Tribe Royal’s new album, Colours Of The Sun, coming out October 17, 2016. Visit their website at www.triberoyal.ca. - Apt613

"This new album is a wonderful mosaic of sounds that I would like to put on the same shelf with: The Beatles, Neil Young, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bob Dylan, The Crash Test Dummies and more. You will hear beautifully arranged guitars, Hammond organ, harmonica, solid bass lines, flowing funky beats, world sounds such as steel drums, layered together with socially conscious vocals ranging from the lennonesque sensitive to the baritone masculine. What more could you ask for; than a bunch of young musicians staying true to themselves, their listeners and the arts with uncommon honesty? After one listen it is obvious how hard Tribe Royal worked on this project and how much they enjoyed themselves while crafting it. This breakout album is an example of musical integrity on an organic level, a nice break from the over-produced/auto-tuned works we hear so much on the radio today. Congrats to Tribe Royal on this beautiful timeless snapshot in time that people will be able to enjoy for the ages.” Vasili Brousalis - Vasili Brousalis

Tribe Royal has been studying with me since 2013,. Their sound is radio friendly and has a basis in commercial viability while remaining fresh and profound. They pay homage to a tried and true musical formula that they infuse with a fresh twist. With Contemporary subject matter and a disarming likeability that takes the audience off guard and lifts them to a less stressed, comfortable world devoid of angst. They are a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room infused with complaint. - Trina Langthorne, Director, 4 Octaves, voice trainer to Sony Music recording artists Kira Isabella and Michelle Treacy

“On February 4th Tribe Royal performed as the sole rock band during a night of Ottawa Metalcore here at Leaky B’s. The energy in the room took a 180 degree turn as soon as they began playing and they continued to perform a fantastic set. It is obvious Tribe Royal have some big plans and even bigger expectations for themselves, you’ll be able to catch them soon in Ottawa” - Tyler Windich - Leaky B’s Music Director

“Tribe Royal have an innate sense of melody, harmony and just really know how to write a song. I have produced hundreds of records and I instantly noticed something special about this band. Live they hit hard with what I would describe as a level I usually see in much older seasoned players and in studio they are professional, focused and really know what the end game is supposed to be” - Dean Watson - Producer/Engineer/Owner of The Gallery Recording Studio

“SA: Lastly, what’s in store for Tribe Royal in 2016 and onwards?
TR: In 2016 we’ve got an album coming out, a major summer tour already booked with a second in the works, lots of larger gigs, music videos, a third album in the works and many more adventures.
You can look at the future a couple different ways. One, you can wander off into blackness. The other you can charge forward into blinding light. We don’t really know what to expect but I think we’re gonna give it a charge.” - Sometimes Always

“Boasting a unique sound that incorporates elements of folk, alternative and retro rock, Ottawa’s Tribe Royal came together at the outset of 2014 and dropped their debut effort, Samadhi soon after. In the time since the group’s formation they have performed upwards of 150 shows in more than 20 cities across the country. Tribe Royal’s sophomore effort, Colours of the Sun, was released in 206 and sees the group capably spreading its musical wings, drawing influences from bands like Dawes and Jayhawks as they seek to push the boundaries of where their distinct blend of music can take them” - Canadian Musician Magazine: