New Music To Hear: Royel Otis “car”

Bringing with them the official announcement of their second album, hickey, due Aug. 22, rising indie duo Royel Otis has dropped “car” via OURNESS / Capitol Records.

The Australian band debuted the track during their Governors Ball performance, following sneak previews here and there in several cities. That performance was just one of many festival spots the two had lined up throughout 2025, with no signs of them stopping, considering their new album is nearing.

So far, “car” is a strong indicator of the quality Royel Otis is upholding. Despite having an ear for pop melodies since the beginning, the added help of writers and producers Blake Slatkin (Omar Apollo) and Omer Fedi (Lil Nas X) propels them into a tier that it takes other burgeoning groups years to develop.

The jangly guitar at the start of “car” fuels their singing, with the vocals full of longing over times long since passed. Past the minute mark, the two spin the bouncy summer anthem into an equal parts stirring and infectious accomplishment in their career, doubling as an example of how they leveled up in a year’s notice.

With hickey serving as the follow-up to their debut album, PRATTS & PAIN, which came out early last year, it’s clear the two are doing anything but letting their moment pass. Both “car” and “moody,” the upcoming album’s first single, reaffirm their grip on catchy indie pop, ensuring hickey is yet another step up for Royel Otis that’s sure to boost their already growing popularity.

See Royel Otis in Dana Point at Ohana Festival on Sept. 27.

Visit Royel Otis on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.

Listen to “car” the new single from Royel Otis below!