Feel Alive - La Club Royale

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

La Club Royale is a project founded by Lyle Kennedy (Vocals) and Connor Adam (producer and multi-instrumentalist) back in 2021. Originally part of Ranzas they decided to continue writing music together and decided to something completely different. Out went the guitars and in came keyboards and synthesizers, taking them outside their comfort zones.

After releasing two tracks ‘Rise Up’ and ‘Waves’ they have honed their sound in between other projects to create a new track. Feel Alive due for release on 23rd June 2023. According to the pair...

“The aim with this release was to add more of a natural feel to our productions while remaining true to our core influences. As an artist we are striving to push ourselves further and incorporate new sounds into our music”

Drawing on 80’s influences such as Human league, Bronski Beat and OMD they felt the need to evolve their sound to give a true reflection of what really inspires them as artists so artists like New order, Hot Chip and Soulwax became popular in their ears. This enabled them to blend classic electronica and indie with modern production making the sound their own. The worked with friend and producer Axor on this track, this allowed them to diversify further and give them direction as the track initially was penned as in indie guitar anthem.

The addition of more instrumentation along with samples from live drum kits give it a more organic/natural feel. Lead vocals were recorded in one take, a conscious decision in order to keep that natural, live feel. La Club Royale really wanted to release this track as a nod to their hometown. The song comes from one of the bands initial [drunken] writing with the track being more suited to something you could possibly find midway through Standing On The Shoulder of Giants - however that demo is now long buried.

An ambience that has a true feel of summer

This track does what it says on the tin, you feel alive! Opening with a deep hard hitting, house beat backed with an ambience that has a true feel of summer. It’s a track for a long hot summers drive, windows open and volume to the maximum. It has an underlying indie coolness yet there are no guitars (well none I can here) a fusion of samples and synths create an atmospheric vibe that is inviting and infectious…and the beat goes on.

Waves of pulsating beats

Its complex, a multitude of layers add a vibrancy that’s luxurious creating a canvas for the vocal to shine. Lyle puts on a soulful tone throughout that rides the waves of pulsating beats and multi tonal synths. It’s a rich sound and you do get a sense of place, almost being there. It’s a clever fusion of ideas, sounds and genres, carefully crafted onto a track that is sure to be a summer favorite. Elements of New order and OMD maybe there but it is a modern sound, its an indie sound yet it could be an ambient dance track.

An underlying indie coolness

I really like what La Club Royale have done here, its refreshing, uplifting and has that feelgood factor. A unique melting pot of sounds, accomplished creativity and a showcase of what one can do when you think outside the box. I am glad the guitars were taken away allowing them to experiment and as they say leave their comfort zone, however, it doesn’t show. It’s a great song, a great vibe. Its good to be alive!