ALBUM REVIEW: King Size – King Size
To commemorate their 20th anniversary, Venetian rock band KING SIZE have put out their fourth self-titled record, something that has been long awaited in the 12 years since their previous album. For those unfamiliar with the band they are, in their own words, “CHUCK BERRY wearing a mohawk having a jam session with THE CLASH.” That’s an interesting description, with many ideas and genres coming to mind, but does this come across on the album? To answer the question: yes, and even more than that.
The band themselves have named several influences, alongside the two mentioned above, which include THE HIVES and THE FRATELLIS, all of which come across strongly from the moment the album begins. Opening track Rolla kicks off immediately with a catchy guitar that then transcends into a fantastic blend of pop-rock and rock ‘n’ roll that’s a lot of fun and will put a smile on your face. It’s a style that continues with Sick People Are The Most Dangerous People with its bouncy beats and anthemic, catchy chorus. As well as hearing influences from THE HIVES, there are also elements from the 60s, with artists like THE KINKS popping to mind.
From here, the album heads into a territory that one may not have expected: country and blues rock. For the next three songs, Million Stairs, I Don’t Know What To Tell You and Running, listeners are greeted with an interesting blend between alternative pop-rock and blues-country that feels heavily reminiscent of JOHNNY CASH. It takes you by surprise, but you accept it and, honestly, you’ll find yourself enjoying its quirky charms.
After this moment the album does return firmly to the world of rock ‘n’ roll with songs filled with variety. There’s Britpop in Outside, indie-rock and the atmosphere of summer music festivals in It’s A Game Over, and even some electronic alternative rock that brings a band like MUSE to mind in Screaming. And of course, we can’t forget the concluding track You Got Me Running Away that returns to the bouncy rock ‘n’ roll style that was heard at the start of the record that suddenly cuts out and leaves us with rather unsettling noise effects that come out of nowhere. It’s an ending that might leave some slightly confused but it’s undeniably one way to leave an impact.
Overall, King Size is a fun album that is the perfect soundtrack for the summer. It never sticks to one style and has plenty of surprises that may come out of nowhere, yet are still enjoyable regardless.
Rating: 8/10
King Size is set for release on June 9th via Hot Studio Records.
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