Monday, April 21, 2014

KXM: "KXM"

Rating: RRRR
Label: earMUSIC 2014
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Mega Power Trio - Lead vocalist/bassist Dug Pinnick (King's X), guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and drummer Ray Luzier (Korn) got together to jam last year and the result is the superb, groovy and fun record. To be perfectly honest. It's not that far off the mark from your ordinary King's X album only with the hint of Dokken and Lynch Mob. However, don't go thinking it's the typical 80's guitar work of Lynch, since it's more about the overall beat and jamming along to the excellent groove.

At first "Stars" is all about Sepultura-like tribal drumming and the hypnotic beat though. Luzier beats the crap out of his kit and there's plenty more to discover. The ultra heavy guitar riffing by Lynch and his close to jazzy solo piece, very schizo, different, and frankly just out there. I do not get the distorted vocals at all though (verse only), especially not since Pinnick is the incredible soulful singer and it's simply not right to hide those magical pipes behind the masque of distortion. "Rescue Me", feature the fun riff ála Lynch Mob and huge vocal harmonies ála King's X on the chorus part. "Gunfight", the proper kick to the head with its larger than life beat and groove. "Never Stop", the sublime R&B ballad track oozing of soul and sassy guitar lines. "Faith Is a Room" is the gospel of Dug and the perfect flow of the band fronted by the X-star. "I'll Be Ok", I know it's getting boring, but it's basically the King's X arrangement right down to the shoe laces. Killer groove by Luzier and the flashy solo by Lynch. Speaking of flashy solo, check out the instrumental piece of "Tranquilize"

The tres hombres boast loads of skill and quality and it all comes down to if you enjoy the flow and to just groove along to the music or not? I'm the massive King's X fan anyhow so this fits your truly like a glove. It's the powerhouse rock album with ditto vocals and the mega tight and fun rhythm section. They'll be rocking your socks off and don't be surprised if you end up in front of mirror doing the KXM pose (huh?). Recommended. (earMusic Euro release 2th June)
facebook

No comments:

Post a Comment