Royal Coda

The Sacramento, California-based post-hardcore supergroup Royal Coda crafts its sound from a punishing yet progressive fusion of melody and intensity. Three alt-rock heavyweights served as its architects: vocalist Kurt Travis of Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds, guitarist Sergio Medina of Stolas, Sianvar, and Eidola, and drummer Joseph Arrington of A Lot Like Birds and Sianvar. The project originated in 2017, though the band first declared its formation publicly in January 2018 by issuing the single “Anything to Save.” Its self-titled debut album, which fused progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and post-hardcore elements, followed in April of that year on Blue Swan Records. Prior to the 2019 sophomore release Compassion, Royal Coda enlisted Dance Gavin Dance guitarist Will Swan and touring bass guitarist Steffen Gotsch. Pandemic restrictions halted touring behind that album, so the members turned inward and began shaping their next record. To Only a Few at First emerged in 2022, introduced by the singles “We Slowly Lose Hope for Things to Come” and “Screen Time Overload.”