Royal (3)

The forerunner of Royal was Bouquet which was formed at Moi in 1994. Composer and songwriter was Emil Nikolaisen. In this group he gathered his two younger siblings Elvira and Ivar, as well as his friends David Siraj and Ingvild Ask. The basic compositions were acoustic with electrical elements. The music was described as alternative, experimental, with traces of jazz, bossa nova and English pop. Emil Nikolaisen later called it café pop. After the debut, they planned to go in a more electronic direction. Later changed name to Royal. Royal was the continuation of the band Bouquet. In 1997, they were engaged by the Rock Church congregation in Copenhagen to play a number of concerts. They played several times at Skjærgårdsgospel. The songs were described as sweet, good and dynamic. The press release said that Royal was a Sonic Youth / Smashing Pumpkins combination with beautiful melodies and hard-hitting rock. Elvira Nikolaisen's vocals were said to vary from dreamlike to furious amazon, reminiscent of Bjørk and Alanis Morisette. The lyrics were about the message of love between God and people, as well as the love people have for each other. Royal was not afraid to go his own way. The stage performances were described as very good musically, as well as characterized by self-confidence and humor. Royal released "My Dear" in 1998. Members: Elvira Nikolaisen (vocals) Emil Nikolaisen (vocals, guitar) Remi Christiansen (guitar) Øystein Aase (bass) Tommy Akerholdt (drums). Ivar Nikolaisen (drums)