Would be Kings

Would be Kings - Demons

A tight four minutes of riff-grounded rawk. The playing is tight with scything guitar lines and intelligent arrangements. Although the Eddie Vedder / Scott Weiland style singing is appropriate and dynamic it feels a little too heavy in the mix. But overall the song is well structured and ultimately does what a rock song should do. Best bit is undoubtedly the breakdown at 2.57, which sounds like an unexpected guest appearance from Sabbath or Maiden.

Would be Kings - Numb

Soaring guitars and a more melodic approach take this number somewhere a bit different, in a very good way. The way the dynamic winds is held together with some powerful drumming reminiscent of Soundgarden or Smashing Pumpkins. The song moves expertly between the pulsing, building, euphoric beat of the verse and darker sections.

Would be Kings - Sentimental Man

Its an over-familiar chord sequence which begins this song, and it never really breaks away from the mundane. The vocal over-dubbing provides a bit of dynamic - especially when the more soaring vocals kick in without it. But this is definitely a trodden road.

Would be Kings - Jekyll and Hyde

Starts with a familiar guitar line, which makes it feel like its going to become a heavy metal dirge, but we're definitely in the hard rock camp here. The vocals are well-performed and at a more appropriate level in the mix. The well worked guitar solo halfway through soars along expertly with the vocals when they re-emerge and it all ends on that impressive note.

Verdict

Produced heavy rock which is happily closer to Pearl Jam or Queens of the Stone Age than today's more mainstream, less visceral bands. This isn't groundbreaking stuff but certainly contains the sort of raw energy that makes you want to see them live.

Link - Would be Kings

Reviewed by John Davidson

---

[Home ] [About] [Contact] [Fans] [Site Map]

© 2008 Vinyl Puppet