No.53 - ‘Crash Kings’, by Crash Kings (2009)

“There won't be anything compared to what the world has shown us; We're nothing but a speck; Let's give them what they least expect…”

Another success of the Spotify recommends feature, I discovered Crash Kings in the recent years. It was one of those albums, that on first listen, I absolutely loved, and it remains loved to this day.

The most obvious comparison would be the Ben Fold’s Five just even more hectic - a punky Elton John. Crash Kings are a three piece band with Piano, Bass and Drums. The sound is huge for such a simple lineup. The songs are filled with adrenaline and the superb vocals are way way over the top, in the best way!

Throughout the album are interesting rhythms, and very well constructed songs.  Some of the straighter songs are incredibly catchy as well, and slower ones have a vibe unlike that of some Wheezer songs. It’s also noted that they use analogue organs with overdriven effects etc to emulate an electric guitar. A very clever trick used to great effect.

14 Arms, my favourite song on the album starts with an alternative driving bass and top end piano riff and then hits you with a well played wonderful sound. It strips back, leading us into a really catchy bouncy chorus, before an over the top screamed instrumental of hecticness. It’s a fantastic piece of music. I think this album won’t appeal to everyone, but I thoroughly recommend you give it a listen.

Crash Kings formed in 2006, California. This self-titled debut reached no.25 in the US Heat-seeker charts. It has never been released on vinyl unfortunately.

Favourite songs - 14 Arms, 1985, Saving Grace, Raincoat, Mountain Man




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No.45 - ‘The Bell And The Hammer’ by This Day & Age (2006)

Image
“  If I could learn to act patiently, then I would see that my view of time is selfishly based around me;  I should run away, but I  can't; chasing dreams that are slowing down for me;  I should turn around, but I can't; It's within my reach …” Another round of applause  given to the pool of online streaming algorithms for showing me a plethora of new music. Not all stay within my listening world for long and some become firm favourites. The Bell And Hammer is one of the best albums ever  recommended to me and one that continues to grow on me with every listen. This Day & Age cross into indie from melodic rock. If you are a fan of Keane, Coldplay or Ben Folds, but fancy something a little heavier in the guitar department, you will absolutely enjoy this album. A strong piano/keys and soaring vocals with decent harmonies set the standard for most songs.  The tone of Jeff Martin’s voice has a sweetness that fans of the aforementioned bands will love. ...
Read more

No.64 - ‘The Wait’ by Zox (2006)

Image
“Sometimes I'm sure that I am crazy;  It's taking its toll, it 's making me old;  With half the winter still to go;  Maybe I'm afraid of love, maybe I'm afraid of pain; And maybe I'm afraid too much, maybe I'm afraid that I won't ever change…” It was August of 2006, and our first and only Reading Festival. Wanting to see the likes of Muse, Less Than Jake, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Bedouin Soundclash and others around the Lockup Stage, we left the festival having discovered a new band, and one of our favourite acts of the weekend, Zox. They don’t really fit into the bracket of other bands. A mix of Sublime, The Pixies and Maximo Park; There is a ska influence, but mixed with indie rock. The  defining feature being an electric violin player, taking the role of lead guitar, producing an interesting and unique overdriven sound. Although this setup felt a little sparse to me in the studio recordings at first, I appreciate hearing the string nuances and ...
Read more

No.66 - ‘Direction’ by The Starting Line (2007)

Image
“ I've got stars in my great big sky;  I shall gaze upon without leaving small ones behind,  because they're harder to find;  Some were satellites, others planes;  Some were twinkling while others were fading away,  but they're all one of a kind …” I never latched onto the likes of Blink 182 or Sum 41. Surprising, as I spent most my teens listening to Punk Rock. The closest mainstream band of my desire, in the Pop Punk genre, would probably be Green Day. But another Spotify discovery brings us The Starting Line, at 66 in our 100 best albums countdown.  I don't tend to latch on to the popular bands, but to what my ears like (It’s what this list is all about). And ‘Direction’ takes a look at punk from the alternative rock angle; really good melodies, interesting rhythms and timings, and quite a range of dynamics. Its a far more mature sound than the likes of those bands previously mentioned. Although I’m not totally enamoured by Kenny Vasoli’s vocals, the mel...
Read more