Duo Royel Otis Gives Minneapolis a Hickey
On October 2nd, the Palace Theater in St. Paul, MN was buzzing with anticipation as indie-pop duo Royel Otis took the stage for their ‘Meet Me in the Car’ tour, celebrating the release of their latest album, Hickey. The night was a vibrant showcase of the band’s infectious energy, genre-blending sound, and undeniable charisma.
Opening the evening was BBY, an indie/alternative rock band whose dreamy yet punchy set warmed up the crowd perfectly. Their textured sound and laid-back stage presence set the tone for what would become a night of musical joy and nostalgia.
When Royel Otis took the stage, the energy in the room instantly shifted. Their performance was upbeat and high-energy, with the crowd dancing and singing along from the first note. The setlist leaned heavily on tracks from Hickey, giving fans a live taste of the duo’s newest sonic explorations. The fresh material was met with enthusiasm, proving that the album has already struck a chord with listeners.
One of the most memorable aspects of the show was the visual production. The band made clever use of a large screen behind them, displaying playful and vibrant visuals that matched the mood of each song. Occasionally, the screen would flash the titles of the tracks being performed, adding a fun, interactive layer to the experience. Combined with dynamic and colorful lighting, the visuals created a whimsical, immersive atmosphere that elevated the entire performance.
In a delightful twist, Royel Otis treated the audience to two of their now-famous covers: “Linger” by The Cranberries and “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Both renditions were met with roaring applause, showcasing the band’s knack for reimagining classics with their own dreamy, indie-pop flair. The duo got a lot of new followers from these covers so it was a really special homage to see them performing them as part of their set list.
Longtime fans were also rewarded with a few throwbacks, including “Kool Aid” and their hit “Oysters in My Pocket”, which brought a wave of nostalgia and reminded everyone of the band’s evolution over the years.
Overall, Royel Otis delivered a performance that was both fresh and familiar, blending new material with beloved favorites in a way that felt seamless and satisfying. Their St. Paul stop was a testament to their growing influence and ability to connect with audiences through both sound and spirit.
