KINGSKIN - review added 20th January 2010
Album Review: Slug (2009)
For fans of: Alt Rock... and strong women
Kingskin - Chris Lamb on vocals and guitars, Jak Chantler on guitar, Trevor Lynes on bass, and Russell Watts on drums - was formed in 2002 in Dover on the south east coast of England. Slug is the band's 2nd studio album and follows Rhyme For A Smalltime. The newbie was recorded all the way over in Chicago, Illinois with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies) at the helm.
The promo material suggests "Slug was recorded in five days using analogue tape". To be honest it sounds like it too, though not necessarily in a bad way. The album is raucous, and back-alley rough, but it's punk-attitude and White Stripes-esque simplicity gives it tons of character and a strangely endearing charm.
This isn't the sort of music that everyone is going to appreciate, but its metallic racket, funk interludes, vocal fist-fights and retro fortitude, for all their polarizing traits, make Slug what it is. It wouldn't be the same if it was immaculately performed or produced.
Ultimately there are no huge moments on the album, but most songs offer a hook or phrase that plays in the mind. This is a catchy, memorable collection of songs built for those with an ear of loud mischief. Kingskin may have a name like a giant condom, and the cover art may have a penchant for 1930's lesbians, but don't let that put you off. This really is an album where the music can do the talking...or something like that.
Check out... All of it
Track List:
01. Shotdown In a Small Town
02. Radio Shotgun
03. Stoner Girl
04. Side By Side Stereo
05. Sister
06. The One Everyone Hates
07. Mexican Taxi
08. Fat Mama Got Soul
09. Kid
10. April
11. Slug
Artist's website(s): Kingskin , MySpace
