Royel Otis Drop New Single ‘car’ and Announce Second Album ‘hickey’ for August Release

Beloved Australian indie duo Royel Otis have returned with a sun-drenched new single, ‘car’. The breezy, bittersweet jangle-pop track arrives alongside the announcement of their hotly anticipated sophomore album, hickey, set for release on Friday, 22 August 2025.

Premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record, ‘car’ blends dreamy melodies with minimalist production and heartfelt lyrics, reflecting the duo’s knack for crafting infectious indie anthems. Co-written with hitmakers Blake Slatkin and Omer Fedi, the track sees Otis Pavlovic deliver a melancholic goodbye wrapped in shimmering guitars and steady grooves.

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To celebrate the album’s upcoming release, Royel Otis will perform two exclusive stripped-back pub shows in Melbourne (Saturday, 19 July at Punter’s Club) and Sydney (Sunday, 20 July at Vic on The Park). Following the breakout success of their 2024 debut PRATTS & PAIN, Royel Otis have been busy lighting up stages at Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, and more. Their “meet me in the car” North American tour is already selling out fast.

‘car’ is streaming now. hickey drops August 22.