Get To Know: Australian Alt-Rockers Royal Chant Deliver Heavy Hitter With Latest Single ‘Blunt Force Drama’

Gliding on the wings of nine albums in the past 15 years, Australian alt-rock band Royal Chant (often called RC) is the passion project of Mark Spence.

Many things have changed since the band’s 2009 debut, yet Spence has maintained his position of fearless leader and gritty rock n’ roller. Currently, Spence is partnered with drummer Wade Mobbs and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist James Carthew. Together, the three are rifling off some sensational and heavy hitting tunes. 

Since getting his start in Port Macquarie, Spence’s musical career has taken him beyond the borders of the coastal town. While the band continues work on its tenth LP, their latest release speaks volumes about the current political climate. Titled “Blunt Force Drama,” the single was inspired by recent Australian news headlines. Comfortable with speaking his mind, Spence does not hesitate to share his voice with the masses. 

At the core of “Blunt Force Drama” is the conflict surrounding the National Rugby League players who refused to wear jerseys which celebrated gay pride week. RC found this behavior to be rather hypocritical, which inspired them to lean into common stereotypes, highlighting the widespread polarization of marginal groups like the high school “nerds” and outcasts.

Though it deals with contentious subject matter, in the words of Spence, “mostly it’s just a banging tune that we hope people enjoy and have some sort of flicker of emotion.” This rock n’ roll number is accompanied by a music video, whose playful black and white scenes display the alt-rock DIY energy the band emanates. 

Listeners can soar with “Jet Fighter (Good Trouble Version)” and “Spectrograph,” two more songs released in tandem with “Blunt Force Drama.” All three tracks are certified head-banging indie rock anthems. 

If the fierceness behind this video single is any indication of what’s to come, it appears we can expect Royal Chant to continue bringing the heat with each new release, as they deliver their perspective exploring the human experience through song.