By DJ Monk
Originally hailing from Brighton but now basked in Clapham, Puppet Kings are one of those growing number of bands who perhaps can best be described (and have already been so) as a “power duo”, in that they make a fucking big noise for just two people, in this guitarist/bassist/vocalist Tomas Cochrane and drummer/vocalist Harry Lehane. And it has to be said that this, their third EP, is an extremely accomplished offering indeed.
While many other acts specializing in the format which the regal duo have chosen have pursued a more blues-rock/roots path, Puppet Kings are not afraid to display some degree of ambition and expand to their sound to the sort of arena-rock potential which has so richly rewarded the likes of Biffy Clyro. Now, I don’t really have a lot of time for the just-mentioned Scottish trio and their annoying habit of stripping their shirts off at every opportunity, but the Kings display the same sort of grit and commercial sensibility, which should serve them well as they seek to take their musical career to the next level.
Opener, and lead single, ‘The Message’ swings into sight on a heaving bass/bottom-ended guitar line which is hypnotic in its attraction and provides a suitably dense underpin to Cochrane’s almost gleeful vocal delivery. Indeed, it is the contrast between the lightness of the vocals and the darkness of the musical backdrop which helps to make this EP work as well as it does. ‘Mountain Song’ is even more commercial than its predecessor, combining the blues-rock sensibilities of, say, The Answer and Rival Sons with the sonic sweep of Supergrass or, to draw more latter-day comparator, Hozier.
The accompanying press release contains references to luminaries such as the Foos, Alice In Chains and even QotSA. Personally, I can’t really see these, especially as the likes of ‘Age Of Austerity’ see them veer much more into AOR territory: OK, there is a grungy/stoner-ish vibe to the bass line, but that’s about where it ends, as I can’t help wondering where my Glass Tiger compilation album is… Closer ‘Bag Of Bones’ is the closest PK come to the blues-rock mien referenced above, albeit with the much lighter touch that characterizes the release as a whole: having said that, I love the massive thwump introduced after the first chorus, and the “whooohoooaaa” backing vocal is a cheeky little touch which should help get audiences singing along when the duo head out on the road. It also will be interesting to see how they reproduce many layers contained herein in the live arena.
- ‘The Mountain’ is released on Friday (1 March).
- Puppet Kings play the Camden Rocks All Dayer on Saturday 16 March.
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