One of Medway’s true greats, Theatre Royal, return today with their new single ‘Incidental Friend’. It’s the leadoff single from their upcoming 4 track EP, released 22nd November via Vacilando 68 Recordings.
It’s the first release since 2018’s spritely jangle pop double A-side release of ‘All For Forward’ and ‘Better Say Goodbye’. Jarring in comparison, as, gone are their archetypal Big Star melodies. However, the adopted slower pace serves them well. It’s a chance for front man Oliver Burgess to prove just how adorable his vocals are. Full of romance and idealism, you’ll be hard pressed not to think of your one true love has he sings ‘dreamt of the places we’d go / we walked in the untouched snow’.
The stripped back, almost bluesy affair brings to mind their Medway peers The Claim, who they will be supporting in January at the Lexington. It’s almost the perfect sonic for them. The sumptuous harmonica anchors them into their grey industrial landscapes which, in turn, allows the lyrical romanticism to escape further.
I you can’t wait for the January gig with The Claim, they will be supporting the legendary Woodentops at The Lexington 9th November.