Being rather late to the King King trail I am essentially listening to much of their back catalogue as a result of their tour at the beginning of last year (2019). Following the band reshuffle this is the first offering since the acclaimed ‘Exile and Grace’ (2017). I suppose this year would be as good as any to record new music as there is little chance of any live music, especially on the back of such a big band reshuffle with Alan Nimmo being the only original member now left.
Despite this the writing partnership of Nimmo and Jonny Dyke delivers essentially more of the same, quality song writing, consummate instrumentation all topped with the voice and guitar of Nimmo significantly underpinned with class of Dykes continuous keyboard skills. Addition of the new drummer, Andrew Scott, Zander Greenshields (bass) and Stevie Nimmo (guitar) as the rhythm section continues to deliver the style and swagger that was epitomised on Exile and Grace. Recognition of the contribution of the other members is acknowledged in the press release but the mix and arrangements are attributed to Nimmo and Dykes.
The opening of ‘Never Give In’ is typically KK: bluesy organ, solid rhythmic drumming and some great guitar playing through the breakdown delivers a great start which will soon be in the set list as well as already in the Planet Rock playlist. ‘Fire In My Soul’ has an opening that will make you think “where have I heard that before?” I know what I think but I’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions. That being said, there are many different influences in the KK armoury. It’s an upbeat toetapper that’ll get people dancing in the aisles at the next gig (wherever and whenever that is going to be).
‘Whatever It Takes To Survive’ opens with a clean bluesy guitar that just carries the entire track admirably to the chorus and the crescendo of the other band members contributions which is just pure class. Giving another influence an airing, the rather funky ‘I Will Not Fail is driven by the drums of Scott but still typically KK in style before Alan breaks into a typical blues riff. ‘By Your Side’ is an unusual piece, with mainly piano vocals and drums until the introduction of the swelling Hammond just before the airy crying guitar solo during the breakdown. ‘One World’ picks it up again to deliver a simple enough message.
‘Everything Will Be Alright’ has a bit of a Steely Dan feel to it with good harmonies and backing vocals that lift you up to a better place before the obligatory guitar riff. ‘When My Winter Comes’ is a reflective piece written from the viewpoint of a man looking at more years behind than in front, perusing everything he has (or has not) achieved; essentially a piano/vocal piece, it will probably see many ‘phone lights at gigs.
The penultimate track ‘Dance Together’ is another upbeat call for everyone to enjoy themselves, which I’m sure they will. The final track, ‘End Of The Line’ seems to be a tribute to many of the previous members of the band who have come and gone, and another jazz-funk swing to its rhythm is a good way to end another briliant effort from the bluesmeisters from KK.
Well done Messrs Nimmo and others. I can’t wait for another trip to my local venue next February to see the new lineup and hear these played live.
- ‘Maverick’ is released next Friday (6 November). You can get your copy HERE.
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