Photo Credit: Elvie Mullany
Words: Eve Smith
Following the release of their second album, “Songs For The Spine,” which released on the 8th of August 2025, as well as supporting Richard Ashcroft on his recent arena tours, The Royston Club embarked on their own tour, supporting the recent album, and on the 8th of May, they took to the stage in Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange. The heartfelt album explores the emotional turmoil of love and loss, while still including their own distinct sound that is recognisable to fans, and the passion and energy they bring to the stage throughout live performances of their new songs is not something to be missed.
Before The Royston Club set foot on the stage, the crowd was already buzzing due to an impressive set from similarly upcoming indie band, Overpass. Opening with their first single ‘Union Station’ from their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Elsewhere, Always’, which is scheduled for release in June, it was clear that the crowd had arrived for the indie buzz, which is exactly what they received throughout the evening. The energy throughout the crowd was clear, as many fans were ready to hit the ground running, joining in to sing along with the band. The energy continued throughout their set, as they performed fan favourites, such as ‘Take it or Leave It’, as well as ‘3AM’, before bursting into tune with unreleased track, ‘Fall in Love’, continuing to set the tone for their upcoming album. Their high energy set showcases their potential, setting the scene for their upcoming album launch tours, several festivals and a UK / Europe tour in Autumn.
By the time The Royston Club emerged onto the stage, the atmosphere in the crowd has shifted into full anticipation, with chants of “Royston, Royston,” echoing throughout, as the opening notes of ‘Shivers’ hit the crowd. The atmosphere was filled with energy as the Welsh four-piece exploded into their set with relentless energy and signature indie sound that hooks the crowd, with people bouncing and raising phones to capture the moment. Despite the Corn Exchange sometimes feeling cavernous, the band created an intimate atmosphere, with every lyric bouncing back at them from the crowd.
Frontman Tom Faithfull’s vocals were especially empowering throughout the set, as the band blended songs from both albums into the set with electric energy as they performed tracks such as ’30/20′ and ‘Mrs Narcissistic’, which triggered huge audience reactions, as fans were jumping in unison as pints flew across the venue. Throughout their set, The Royston Club stood out live as an effortless unit, as they blended the two albums with every transition between songs feeling polished while still adding the edge that gives intense excitement throughout indie gigs.
The pacing throughout the set was perfectly executed, as they hit the ground running with explosive tracks before slowing down with more reflective tracks, showcasing not only their explosive guitar work, but also their songwriting. As the opening notes of ‘A Tender Curiosity’, shifted the atmosphere within the venue, leaving Faithfull and guitarist Ben Matthias alone under the spotlight of the stage to perform. The minimalist arrangement provided the venue with something new, and emotionally vulnerable throughout the performance, before the duo transitioned into a rendition of The Kinks’ ‘Waterloo Sunset’, which carried a similar and delicate performance.
Launching back into their energetic indie tones, with tracks such as ‘Mariana’ and ‘Blisters’, the energetic atmosphere returned as the crowd exploded. As the evening continued, the focus stayed firmly on the music and the connection it has with the audience through the simple features such as strobe and moody lighting throughout the show, with little else, creating an authentic connection. A remarkable moment for the crowd came from the performance of ‘The Ballad of Glen Campbell’, which has minimal past live performances, despite it being a rising top song for the band. The track mesmerised the audience from beginning to end, with dramatic and emotionally engaging vocals, captivating the audience.
The encore brought the evening to a euphoric finish, as the final song was none other than ‘Cariad’ which engulfed the crowd in a truly heartfelt moment. The chaos was traded for something more intense and emotional, as the tracks warm guitar notes and nostalgic atmosphere transformed the venue, while Faithfull’s vocals provided raw emotion which washed over the audience, uniting the venue through the emotional ballad.
As the crowd left the venue after an evening of persistent energy and raw intimacy, The Royston Club had proven that they are no longer simply “ones to watch out for,” through their ability to captivate the audience with confidence, showing they have all the markings of one of the UK’s next major indie bands.
Photo Credit: Elvie Mullany
Taped Magazine 