The Road Trip: D.C.

U.S. Royalty is a Washington, D.C. based outfit that specializes in swaggering, soul-infused indie rock.

Rock 'n roll is just about all that John and Paul Thornley have ever known. Growing up with a father that played in a band, even at their earliest years, the two have always had music in their lives. Somehow John was always singing and Paul was never far behind, guitar in hand. At the start of 2008 the Thornley brothers moved back home to Washington, D.C. in order to pursue music, and it was through the rich D.C. indie rock scene that they met local bass player Jacob Michael. It wasn't until longtime friend and former drummer Luke Adams was thrown into the mix that the foursome was complete.

Spin Magazine probably describes their music best (or at least in my favorite way):

“…imagine Cold War Kids if you replaced their pseudo-gospel sermonizing with dizzily descending guitar lines and a brighter outlook on life. With propulsive rhythms destined to move more feet than a parade for a queen, monarchial rule never sounded so good.”

Thank you, Spin.

Comparisons aside, it's clear U.S. Royalty is making waves with a sound and style all their own. With a catchy and eclectic sound, they performed recently at SXSW to rave reviews, and have fast risen to the top of the D.C. music scene.



U.S. Royalty exudes a carefree attitude reminiscent of most garage bands, but the D.C. quartet harnesses that enthusiasm by filtering it through stripped-down pop songs with a jangly and wet with reverb.

Check out their song “Every Summer.” It’s a personal favorite.
Every Summer by U.S. Royalty

They have a digital EP that you can get off of Amazon and the guys are currently working on material for their first full-length album; on the horizon (August 25th, to be exact) their 7″ titled MIDSOMMAR will be available.



Honorable Mention:
Ithaca by Deleted Scenes



Thinking of a band from Washington, D.C. that I should know? Leave it in the comments section!