Hailing from Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel, the four piece indie rock outfit Kings has released their latest studio endeavor, a single entitled ‘Drowning.’ Drawing influence from 80s pop music citing the likes of Michael Jackson and Queen, the foursome is striving to make their name known in a contemporary independent music community chock-full of rock groups. Thus, is Kings able to separate themselves from the pack and create a sound that’s authentic? Let’s dig in and find out.
Out of the gate, ‘Drowning’ is a very well-produced effort. Kings clearly connect in the studio, and their musical camaraderie is abundantly obvious, especially in the electrifying guitar solo section and the brief, but remarkably effective vocal harmony parts. At three minutes long, ‘Drowning’ feels especially punchy. It’s a track one could listen to a dozen times over without fully realizing it.
Despite drawing from a well of inspiration that’s likely older than many of its members, Kings does do a fine job of sounding entirely contemporary. There are hints of Queen, for example, in the solo section, but it never feels dated or derivative. Kings have combined modern indie pop rock with some more “classic” influences, and that’s something that isn’t done often. It’s a fruitful culmination of styles, and ‘Drowning’ is surely a track that could get concert halls moving.
If there’s any criticism to be levied at Kings, it’s that their music, while entirely inoffensive and well executed, doesn’t break down any walls, either. The sound is slick, but safe. The vocals are smooth, but the lyrics are forgettable. ‘Drowning’ is a great song to add to one’s spring or summer playlist, but it’s not a dynamic piece of music that’ll linger on beyond this summer. It’s carefree radio pop that’s also well done.
That’s not a bad thing. It exhibits Kings’ massive potential and offers them a foot in the door by hooking an audience with their catchy anthem. It seems very likely to me that Kings could later produce music that is profound. Right now, their focus is quality pop music, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
It also helps that Kings’ music video for ‘Drowning’ is very good, a simple performance on soundstage in black and white, but an effective and memorable one at that. Hence, ‘Drowning’ is very much worth the time of anyone seeking an enjoyable indie pop rock song that while not entirely groundbreaking, is fun in its own right.
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Words By Brett David Stewart