The LA based alt/indie phenom Royal & the Serpent captivates us once again with her newest addition to the beloved “RAT TRAP” series of double-sided singles, RAT TRAP 5: the beginning.
Having dropped her debut EP get a grip in 2020, Royal & the Serpent instantly landed a hit with the Billboard charting single “Overwhelmed.” Not shying away from expressing the dark side of her psyche, she followed up with IF I DIED WOULD ANYONE CARE and Happiness is an Inside Job in 2022, paving the way for the “royalverse” the next year. Throughout 2023, Royal treated us to four installments of her RAT TRAP EPs.
“The main reason I make music is that it’s the best therapy I could ever ask for: the process of taking everything in my brain and putting it on paper and then singing it out loud for people is so helpful and healing for me. The idea that my own expression can affect people in positive ways is such a blessing and a gift; I don’t ever take it lightly. I just want to keep telling my truth and reach as many people as I possibly can, and see where this little journey takes us.”
~ Royal & the Serpent
The carefree and energetic RAT TRAP 5: the beginning takes us on a wild trip with the vibrant singles “American Spirit” and “DOG.” Released on June 07, the EP exudes a lively atmosphere, perfect to welcome the summer.
“American Spirit” captures a youthful attitude towards life, freedom and independence, as well as the American spirit. The song released alongside a glorious music video, showing Royal in landscapes such as forests, beaches and fields, wearing beautiful dresses. Her vivid and emotional dances, coupled with her sweet, yet powerful voice, give the video a sense of liberty that is perfectly matched by the song.
“‘Cause your kisses taste like American Spirit
~ “American Spirit”
American Spirit, American Spirit, American Spirit”
It might be far fetched, but considering the second song on the EP, “DOG” and its depiction of hot-dogs in the music video, as well as the lyrics of “American Spirit” suggesting that “your kisses taste like American Spirit,” one might assume that the theme that ties the two songs together is that they both reference consumables, if the ‘spirit’ in American Spirit were to be interpreted as the alcoholic kind.
Watch the official music video to “American Spirit” below
“DOG” only deepens these carefree vibes. The song conveys a heavy feeling of “whatever happens, happens” and tells the tales of life. Whether it’s drinking too much, waking up next to boys she wouldn’t want to date, or hitting the ground running, Royal takes it with optimism. She doesn’t deny that it’s just who she is. In the music video, Royal wears multiple outfits and dances at gas stations, motels and next to her van, giving off heavy roadtrip vibes.
“I got the dog, the dog in me”
~ “DOG”
Literally. The dog itself makes multiple appearances in the form of hot-dogs throughout the music video. Royal and her crew are shown eating hot-dogs. Drenched in ketchup and mustard the video ends in a wonderfully weird scene with everyone barking and howling like dogs.
Watch the official music video to “DOG” below
Stay tuned for more RAT TRAPS to follow!
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