This presumably final release to bear the Royal City name couldn't have come at a better time. Ten years after the band's formation and five years after their demise, 1999-2004 is a bittersweet offering for fans of the dearly departed Guelph quartet. Originally publicized in 2004, many thought this compilation of unreleased demos and rarities would never see the light of day after the closing of their label Three Gut Records in 2005. Thankfully, earlier this year Asthmatic Kitty announced they would be releasing the album--a fitting resting place for the band, alongside their friend and admirer Sufjan Stevens. Everything fans know and love about the band shines through in these songs, from singer Aaron Riches' gentle voice and plaintive lyrics to the subtle performances from the rest of band (which also included Jim Guthrie, Simon Osborne, Nathan Lawr, and later Lonnie James). It's an immaculate package which will help fill a void for all Royal City fans, but also give new listeners a chance to discover a band that is too often overlooked or forgotten. Here's to C-I-T-Y, Royal City.

There will be a tribute to Royal City happening June 26th at the Tranzac in Toronto, which is set to include performances from Andy Magoffin (Two-Minute Miracles), Chad Ross (Quest for Fire/Nordic Nomadic), Cry, Cry Papsmear, Evan (ex-Royal City) & Geordie Gordon (The Magic/Human Highway/Islands), Evening Hymns, Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky), Gentleman Reg, I Am Robot and Proud, Jeff Peers (Anagram), Jenny Omnichord, Magali Meagher (Phonemes/Metal Kites), Nathan Lawr (ex-Royal City/FemBots), Scott-o-Bot (Ragg Mopp), Steven LuChuck (ex-We’re Marching On/Ohbijou), Woolly Leaves (Constantines), Bob Wiseman and more! 8PM, $10 with proceeds going to the Toronto Cat Rescue and the Tranzac.