Royal Arctic Institute to Compile Both Cassette EPs on One Vinyl LP + Bonus Track

Written By Mike Greenblatt

PHOTO: Royal Arctic Institute by Charlotte Hysen

The Royal Arctic Institute, as reported upon here in March, have no singer. That’s one of the reasons we love this “post-rock” band from Weehawken. Their music is quirky, funky, fusion-laced and totally intriguing. Drummer Lyle Hysen is a monster. Keyboardist Carl Baggaley spills his liquidity all over the mix so fine. The twin-guitar team of John Leon/Lynn Wright flutters, stutters and chops away like a spastic zombie. Bassist David Motamed provides ample bottom and can be heard popping away intermittently like a lead instrument. Now the previously available only-on-cassette sounds of 2022’s From Catnip To Coma and this year’s exquisitely chill From Coma To Catharsis are melded into one satisfying listen plus new track “New South Wales” (unavailable at presstime). Produced by Yo La Tengo’s James McNew in Hoboken at the Neumann Leather Factory, Catnip to Coma to Catharsis (Already Dead Records and Tapes) will be released August 4.

With John Leon the main composer, their creative process was accentuated by all five communally deconstructing the demo action, then reconstructing the mix in a live setting (almost like a jazz band). No digital progress here! Minimal overdubs. Guitarist Leon even added some pedal steel. Guitarist Wright, it must be noted, has since left the nest and moved to Germany.

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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