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Album Reviews

King's X have a new label, a newly found sense of simplicity, and a wonderful new album. The stripped-down nature of the songs have brought out the core emotion of each song. Using an approach by which each song was basically created in the studio by all three band members, King's X have created a powerful work that is beautiful in its clarity.  Doug Pinnick's distinctive voice and bass lines, Ty Tabor's virtuoso guitar, and Jerry Gaskill's inventive drum grooves really make an impact on "Tape Head."

Highlights of the disc include the intro track "Groove Machine," the insistent "Higher Than God" and the positive "Happy." "Groove Machine" clearly sets the mood for the disc with its hard rock riff and Pinnick's sinewy vocals understating the heavy groove created by the elegant drums and near-psychedelic guitar solo. The near-sinister verse of "Higher Than God" is offset by an unrelenting chorus that questions a failed relationship. "Happy" provides a message to remain positive in the face of long odds that life presents to us each day. The background vocals and harmonies provided by Jerry Gaskill and Ty Tabor serve to support Doug Pinnick's great voice and at every turn on the disc Gaskill and Tabor add beautiful harmonies to the songs.

When you get right down to it, there are no weak tracks on "Tape Head." This is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

King's X produced themselves on "Tape Head" to capture the essential sound of the band without any outside distractions and influences.

                                                                                                                               ~ Christopher J. kelter

Ever since there conception back in the early 80's King's X have been wooing audiences all over the world with there ever special brand of intelligent rock music which combines an ultra heavy bass and rhyhthm section with outstanding vocal harminies and drop dead guitar work.

With each King's X album being so different, they are very difficult band to pigeon-hole in any way. Now this is the first King's X album for quite some time and for whatever reasons behind the long lay off, King's X have lost one of their creative talents unleashing 13 tracks of soulful rock that show more care and attention to detail in 47 glorious minutes than most bands show in a lifetime.

Tape Head kicks off with the bass heavy 'Groove Machine' and like 'Hate You' instantly puts you in the mood of early Soundgarden, but this is a mere observation, rather than any form of criticism because as Tape Head unfolds King's X show why after over a decade in music they are still innovators, rather than followers of the rock genre.

'Over And Over' is a thumping Blue's based rock number with a great guitar solo, while 'Mr.Evil' has a real southern rock power to it. And 'World' has it's Punk/Metal riff that should be played very loud indeed. Top in my humble opinion as far as the lyric department is concerned has to be the tongue in cheek 'Cupid' which contains a class line "Cupid shot the wrong guy" and a little bit of soul sung with such feeling turns out to be, well just that a 'Little Bit Of Soul'.

'Walter Bela Farkas' brings Tape Head to an end, a truly bizarre number best described as jazz guitar mixed with some outrageous vocal effects.

If you missed this lot first time round, then god help you, if you make the same mistake twice. King's X are one of the few bands out there that really do deserve to carry the tag genius.
Which only leaves me to work out why Gretchen went to Nebraska in the first place?

                                                                                                                                   ~ stormbringerwebzine.co.uk

For me, King's X seems to have been the band that fate has conspired to keep me away from. In 1996, I journeyed to Texas to catch three of the early shows in the Kiss reunion tour. King's X was supposed to be the opening act on all three dates. But, at the last minute, strings were pulled and favors were called in and as a result, some no-name band got to open all three dates. I had several friends that recommended the band to me, but still I never got around to checking them out. Sigh.

Anyway, one day I get a little package in the mail that contained the new King's X CD, Tape Head. OK, now the universe is say "Ahem, I SAID listen to these guys!". OK, OK, OK... I get the picture. And boy and I am glad that I finally did! I have now listened to Tape Head about 6 times (in a row) over the last two days and it gets better and better.

The sound hovers on the edge of heavy, but is dragged back to center by some absolutely great harmonies that flow through the melodies like yarn through a loom. Just listen to Fade and you will hear a classic example of what I am talking about. I can't believe that this three piece puts out such layered music. Usually a three piece is known for straight forward, hard hitting tunes. King's X follows more in the vein of three pieces like Rush and Triumph, with a dash of Hootie and the Blowfish thrown in. That may make some of you cringe, but believe me, it is really wonderful stuff. Over and Over picks up where Fade leaves off and transports you to a special place. Ocean makes me smile whenever I hear itıs opening chords. This album is great!

The final piece is a live recording of a impromptu Jazz-like jam that is WAY out of place on this CD. Only the hardest of hard-core King's X fans could appreciate this track and I wish the band had left it off. Oh well, canıt have everything!

                                                                                                                                            ~ Ace Trump

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