GIG REVIEW: Royel Otis at Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool - 4th November 2025

Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, professionally known as Royel Otis, performed two intimate acoustic shows as Liverpool's famous Jacaranda Baltic on Tuesday 4th November. The gigs had previously been planned to take place on 20th August as part of their hickey album launch shows but were rescheduled. I attended the earlier 6pm show (with the other show opening its doors at 8pm), and it is safe to say that they delivered a performance that was well worth the wait.

The wet weather conditions outside did not seem to phase the crowd, with everybody singing along to i hate this tune, the song that kicked off the set. The band followed this with who's your boyfriend, the second most streamed song off of their new album behind lead single moody. In a recent interview with Zach Sang, the duo revealed that they were sceptical about the song, and needed convincing that it deserved a spot on their sophomore record. However, I am sure their fans would all agree that the song is one of the best on the album, since the whole room at the Jacaranda seemingly knew every lyric by heart.

The music video for the song stars The Summer I turned Pretty's Lola Tung, and was released on 22nd August 2025, just a few weeks after their cover of The cranberries' Linger was featured in the Amazon Prime hit show. 

Linger concluded the half-hour intimate show, leaving fans truly stunned by their raw, vulnerable vocals. Other songs played include: say something, car, jazz burger and Sofa King, the latter of which making the duo laugh mid-song at the crowd's failed attempt to sing the correct lyrics in the bridge. 

The intimate nature of the gig made fans really listen deeply to the lyrics of each tune, which were sung with a new-found vulnerability which is not as noticeable in the studio versions. Overall, their performance was one to remember, and I am sure that those who did not already have tickets for their upcoming UK tour will have checked Ticketmaster after the show.

Following on from the Australian leg of their meet me in the car tour, Royel Otis begin the EU/UK leg on 10th November in Sweden. In the UK, they will be playing shows in London, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester. Limited tickets are available for these shows, and can be found here:

9th November 2025

Article written by Lucy Thomas