ALBUM REVIEW: Strange, Strange Times – The Ugly Kings
THE UGLY KINGS‘ sophomore album Strange, Strange Times is an appropriate name. The world is currently going through the cautious reopening after being put on hold after a global pandemic, which is still very much on at time of writing. These are indeed strange, strange times. THE UGLY KINGS hail from Melbourne, Australia. Their sophomore album has ten songs, and they take a little of everything from the rock world and throw it into a great big stirring pot of uniqueness. However, in a world of ever increasing so-called genre-less music, will Strange, Strange Times be unique enough?
Strange, Strange Times is the first song. A rip-roaring opener with a five-and-a-half minute runtime, the first minute and a quarter is dedicated to heavy instruments that are on a par with a SLIPKNOT song. Interestingly, the vocals are gentle, and the song slows down into a track reminiscent of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. Thanks to the production, the jump does not feel as jarring as it sounds on paper. In fact, the song is a perfect introduction to the uniqueness of the band and what they can bring to the table when it comes to so-called boundaries on genres.
Technodrone is the next song. It builds upon the fast-paced intro to the title song. This song shows off what the band can do. The production is smooth, making the songs immersive. The pacing of the album does not feel rushed, despite the two songs being on complete opposite ends of the scale so far.
Do You Feel Like You’re Paranoid? sounds like a song right out of the 90s. With the riffing guitars and thumping drums, you’d be easily forgiven for thinking that this song belonged to either a pub band or AC/DC. The vocals are the star of this song. The rough and gravelly verses contrast with the singalong choruses. However, this is not a bad thing. This is thanks to the production, which makes the contrast less noticeable.
The pub-band rock continues throughout the rest of the album. Last Man Left Alive is a bass-heavy song. Lawnman is reminiscent of the ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN cover of People Are Strange. Unfortunately, it does get a little tedious after a while as most of the songs in the middle sound similar. However, a standout track is Mr Hyde. Starting off with maniacal laughter and heavy instrumentals, this song is evidently different to the other songs on the album. It’s faster and a lot of fun. The lyrics tell the famous story of Jeykll and Hyde. The best part of the song is the deep voice that asks: “Are you Dr Jeykll or Mr Hyde?”
In conclusion, this album is fun and quite unique in its take on 90s rock music. Thanks to the fantastic production, the songs do not get bogged down by the instruments. Despite being sluggish in the middle of the album, Strange, Strange Times shows off what THE UGLY KINGS can do at their best. It’s an enjoyable album for fans of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE.
Rating: 6/10
Strange, Strange Times is set for release on August 13th via Napalm Records.
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