Grace Hotel
   Overall rating: + + + +          

Album Review

"We just do what we do, and we're surprised at any success we get. It's a bonus." Ty Tabor (King's X)
King's X have a sound that is as unique and fresh as it is indescribable. A weave of complexities more grandiose than a Hockney poster and more engaging than the irrepressible Monroe smile beaming down from a street hoarding.

Since they shook the Marquee last year, since they've spoken of being "apprehensive and excited" in regard to the next album, the all-important second album, they've gelled together with a sense of cohesiveness that doesn't so much put their debut album to shame, but shows growth in an area where it was thought there was simply no room left for it. Though it's debatable how important to the marketplace that growth or release is, with the original - in both senses of the word - `Out Of The Silent Planet` hardly setting a blaze of orange flame rushing across charts worldwide. Could it be that the King's X sound is too unique, too removed from the acceptable mainstream to make any real commercial inroads in this bloody business ? Possibly.

Though, judging by the quote above, mass acceptance isn't really an integral part of Plan X - yet. But don't be mistaken, don't for one moment think that they're unable to run formulaś three-minute hits if they wanted to. It's just that they don't.

Take it for what it is, accept them for their ability to fuse devilish inspiration and instantly accessible melodies. Don't even acknowledge, just enjoy, say, `Over My Head` with its huge harmonied chorus and distinctly unsettling swoops and quirks, Doug Pinnick's voice brimming with soul, unaccompanied on the outro apart from a sporadic bout of applause. The gentle and insistent `Summerland`, which could be `Goldilox` revisited with its brittle vocal lament and easily paced guitar.

The spiky `Everybody Knows` with the lead vocal coming coarse and harsh while flitting from one speaker to another. Declaring "Ignorance is a road that leads to trouble / Wisdom is a treasure born in heaven", it takes a sideways glance at the boorish and shallow, always vocal never knowledgeable.
"Everybody knows a little bit of something."

`Mission`, which originally appeared at the Marquee shows under the guise of `Preacher Man`, thunders out from under its covers berating the demise of the Church as a bastion of sanctity and faith; wondering as to its final resting place in a modern society where religion itself has become a commodity, a mere multi-million industry, an unpopulated hall that happens to house an altar. There is discontent. `The Burning Down` ends it all, at least on this copy, and as such is an appropriate letting down, a lilting multi- coloured release from the heady and combusting fires that `Gretchen...` has to offer.
King's X are on the road to absolute and deserved success. They are the new faith for staunch unbelievers. I bet you that in five years time there won't be venues big enough to hold them. I look forward to telling  

                                                                                                                               ~PHIL WILDING of  kramerskorner.com

Continue