EP Review :: King Blood - I've Got My Kicks So I Don't Feel

King Blood

I've Got My Kicks So I Don't Feel

February 7 2014 (self-release)

10/10


Words: Dave Beech


When I first reviewed King Blood's self-titled debut EP last year, the first thing I noticed about the duo was how little they seemed to need a bassist; their music, a lo-fi blend of psychedelia and surf-rock, just didn't seem to warrant the inclusion of one, and why should it? Fast forward six months, however, and with their second EP 'I've Got My Kicks So I Don't Feel', Aaron Powell and Robbie Day are no longer the enigmatic two piece they were. Instead they've enlisted the talents of Sam Hollis on bass, in a bid to really flesh this second record out.

Ten seconds is all it takes of opener 'Soft Will' to realise that this iteration of King Blood is vastly different from it's predecessor. Jangly, almost tropical guitars replace the acerbic fuzz of their self-titled, whilst the scratchy DIY production qualities that were present across the aforementioned seem virtually non-existent. In fact, while this is still very much a King Blood track thanks to Powell's sleazy, transatlantic vocal, the only other giveaway is the explosive, if not short-lived, chorus.

'Santa Monica Dream' on the other hand, sees itself with a far sludgier aesthetic, and feels like a spiritual successor to last year's 'Laguna Beach', and indulges the band's penchant for SoCal surf-rock. Staccato guitars form the basis of each verse, whilst a chunky rolling bass fills the gaps effortlessly. Like 'Soft Will' before it, only with far more balls, an incendiary mid-section blows any pre-conceptions out of the water, before leading in to breakdown which just wouldn't have been do-able without a bassist.

Interestingly enough, the one track which does completely solidify Hollis' inclusion, is a rerecording of 'Sweet Heaven', the lead track from the last EP. The improved production and added bass-line make for a far fuller listening experience, and even Powell's erratic and scratchy vocals have been toned down here, allowing the track be a strong contender - along with 'Soft Will' - for a single

At just over ten minutes long, this could probably one of the most streamlined releases you'll hear this year - and also one of the strongest. Expect to see a lot more of King Blood, and expect it soon.







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