The Grouchy Gaijin's Thoughts on Music and Such

A couple of weeks ago I got an e-mail about a band called Kingsley which is out of Los Angeles . Their PR person is incredibly enthusiastic about these guys (as any good PR person should be). She sent me their album Digital Providence and a 48 second clip of them playing live. (See below)

Kingsley is a four piece featuring guitar/vocals, bass, drums and keyboards.

The clip of the song Imagination was really cool – I was really excited to hear the album.

I've listened to the album a lot since I first got it and I have to say that its pretty good. I really like Imagination. The album definitely takes a few listens to get in to, but once you are there it grooves.

I hear an Edge influenced guitar sound. Some of the tracks remind me of U2 back when they were good. (I really liked Boy and War – the last album of theirs I thought was good was The Unforgettable Fire)

Track 1: Stars – This is a peppy song with a perky Synth run at the beginning. The music is OK. This is a Pop song with a capital P.

Track 2: Sunshine – I like the guitar a lot. I find myself humming this song throughout the day.

Track 3: Brand New Day – More U2 guitar with a keyboard behind it – it sounds good. The guy can sing well too.

the time has come it's now or never

i know this won't last forever

break through

break through

His vocals on the chorus are really good – he can hold a clean note a long time.

Track 4: The Game – I like the keyboard in this song. For some reason this reminds me Peter Schilling back in the 80s. (Now is the time on Sprockets when we dance – I imagine people dressed in black holding their cigarettes sideways.)

Track 5: Imagination – Hands down the best song on the album! I dig the guitar. His voice sounds really good even if the lyrics are a bit goofy.

but it was just imagination

that you have this fascination

and that you're thinking bout the notion

about the motion in my ocean

and it was just imagination

At 2:25 he goes into a scream that lasts a good 15 seconds – it is a soulful scream though – I like it.

Track 6: - Rejected – I dig this song. It's another perky tune although this time with a heavy guitar line. I think this is supposed to be the anthem on the album since the chorus features the band yelling “hey”.

Track 7: Take Me – I like the guitar. The lyrics got on my nerves a bit – they are just so emotional and sensitive.

don't take me with all your words

i know what this is gonna be

you love him my best friend

it'll never be the same again

Having said that, a 20 year old woman I played this song for thought it was “really sweet”.

Track 8: All of Me, All of You – The first 20 seconds kept my interest. Then the vocals started and I felt like I was listening to The Wandas

don't leave me here alone tonight, i just cant take it

the lonely nights have gone to far, i'll never make it

could u find it in your heart to say you need me

always not somedays, and tonight i'll say to you

This is just too much of an Emo rant for my tastes.

Track 9: Greed – I dig the guitar and the drummer has a cool groove going on. I dig this song a lot. Well done guys.

Track 10: Miracle – The Synth is kind of interesting and even the falsetto vocals are kind of cool, but I just don't pick up the groove on this one. I find myself thinking “skip”.

Track 11: Wait for You – A very pretty sensitive love song.

Track 12: It's Complicated – The music rocks and his voice sounds good. These guys are good players. I'm starting to think however that the guy who writes the lyrics is a very emotional dude who is probably a bit high maintenance.

Track 13: Revolution – I dig this track a lot. The guitar keeps my attention and I like the breaks.

i know of the one solution

can't you see this evolution

it's how we'll get the retribution

tonight stay awake for the revolution

I'm not sure exactly what he is pissed off about, but does anyone know a kid who is not pissed at The Man?

Track 14: Last Man Standing – this is a sad, beautiful song. I'm actually reminded of the Beatles. This is the second best track on the album after Imagination.

So what is the bottom line? 3 Scowls out of 5 on the Grouch scale. They get a boost because the songs I like I like a lot. The guy has a good voice and the band is good. I dig the guitar. On the down side there is a tendency to be, in my opinion, too sensitive and emotional. Would I recommend this album? It's a toss up. It would make an excellent gift for a girl aged 13 to 20. Would I go see them live? Yes, based on the clip of Imagination, these guys put on a good show.

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