Royden

After My Cousin Ray disbanded, vocalist Treebo, drummer Nick, and bassist Kerry—three members of that Rockaway, NJ outfit—launched Royden. Late-stage demos from the earlier group unexpectedly drew interest from a nearby independent label, prompting the trio to reassemble and record for the imprint. In January 2004 guitarist Tim came aboard, and the newly christened Royden spent a week tracking their debut EP, a punk-hardcore-metal blend. Best Friends Our Worst Enemies surfaced that May, generating enthusiasm within the regional scene. The band logged East Coast and Midwest dates with second guitarist Frank Rosania, who later exited; Justin Sherwood stepped in to fill the role. Touring persisted through summer 2005, and by autumn Royden had signed with California’s Hopeless Records, which reissued the EP in April 2006. Headlining shows and support slots alongside Showbread and Action Action occupied the ensuing spring and summer.