Royal Showdown are a 14-piece extravaganza from London ploughing through the intricate secrets of funk and jazz.

Taking their cue from the likes of Steely Dan, Ben Folds Five, Joni Mitchell and Jamiroquai, frontman Atar Shafighian (who takes lead vocals, guitar and synths) has crafted a band with nods to both his own classical background, the wizardry of production hero Quincy Jones and the lush sound of chamber pop.

Central to the Royal Showdown is the horn section and the string quartet, that benefit from Shafighian’s magic touch for arrangements, born of his training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Signed to D Records/Notting Music Publishing, an official release is on the horizon, while of more immediate concern is the fact esteemed promoters Feed Me Music have organised a special gig for them at Astoria 2 in August.

To hear Royal Showdown mp3s go to tourdates.co.uk/Royal-Showdown. They play Astoria 2 on 29 August 2008.