The highly anticipated debut album by U.K. Ska Punks, King Goon, is scheduled for a Mar 25th release. I’ve been given the privilege of checking out an advanced copy, and it’s my editorial opinion that it’s worth the hype. Admit Nothing! Deny Everything! Lie! Lie! Lie!, is also attempting to break the record for longest title of a record, since Fiona Apple’s, When The Pawn….At 11 tracks, King Goon’s freshmen effort is actually quite ideal in terms of density. The music itself is about as sophisticated as obstinate Ska Punkers get. There’s incredibly well written songs, catchy hooks, and a fully fleshed sound.
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“Eyes Everywhere Eyes” is essentially paranoid posturing but there’s a certain rage bellowing underneath it all. A short bass interlude rumbles its way into a slightly bouncy tempo. The vocals have a certain Bowie quality to them, and then things just go off the rails in the best way. Go out of your way to check this track out, as it’s one of my favorites on the album. Overall, it’s an insanely catchy tune, on a record that’s virtually overflowing with them.
“On The Drink,” sounds as though it was written during an all-nighter at the Pub, somehow recorded, and then placed on the record. Oh we’re on the drink/oh this boat might sink. You start having fun, just listening to this track, because you can tell how much fun the band had recording it. “On The Drink” is also a new slang for being intoxicated that should really catch on here in the States. While it’s not exactly the artistic zenith of the album, “On The Drink” is unadulterated entertainment.
“Language Of War,” seems to examine how politics can and have completely destroyed friendships. Saxophonist, Elaine Ford, steals the entire show on this track. The nuanced and dynamism that she displays here, hasn’t been heard since the height of King Crimson. The deepest emotional attachment I felt to this piece, was almost entirely defined by what Ford achieves on “Language Of War.” Her performance alone, makes this track a standout moment on this album.
It is most elegantly true/the house will always fall on you. That wickedly profound lyric is from the “featured track,” from the record, “Gambling Fool.” Once again, Ford’s sax playing is such a decisive factor here. However, it’s drummer, Hywel Griffiths, that deserves a special acknowledgment. His subtle swing beat is what really gives “Gambling Fool” its identity.
This is the kind of record that gets me excited about Music, again. True artists giving us something replete and voluminous, that actually has something to say. King Goon has a sound that is both vintage and modern. Even the digital versions of these songs have a decidedly vinyl quality to them, and you find yourself ensconced in the album from start to finish. On the one hand, it’s somewhat mind-blowing to know that this is actually a debut. However, when you know the backstory, you appreciate just how much work goes into a fool becoming a king.
Chadwick Easton