Royal City – a now defunct indie folk rock band out of Toronto – traced politically charged punk from its roots (think counterculture protests of Woodie Guthrie and Bob Dylan) to the hardcore punk bands of Aaron Riches (guitar, vocals) and the other band members’ youth. During its tenure (1999-2004) the band consisted of Riches, Nathan Lawr (drums 99-02), Lonnie James (drums 02-04), Simon Osborne (bass) and Jim Guthrie (guitar, vocals). Royal City’s gentle acoustic based songs ranged in theme from streetlamps, Shakespeare, dogs, and heartbreak, all enhanced by Riches’ distinctly creaky voice. If you missed Royal City the first time around or have been a longtime fan this collection spans 1999-2004 including rarities and b-sides.