KING’S X
Black Like Sunday
Brop! / Metal Blade Records

 It’s been way too long since this Texas power trio has a released an album worthy of their talent. Since the mid-90s they have released a series of more and more depressing and monotonous post-grunge records that would generally contain only a couple of sparks among a sea of duds. That seems to be over now. Black Like Sunday bites as hard as their more recent records, but also bubbles and pops with complex syncopations and more of a focus on their amazing harmony vocal interplay…much like their first handful of brilliant and highly influential releases. Actually, that makes perfect sense because these songs were culled from a list of unreleased “fan favorites” that the band honed in bars before getting signed. It’s kind of funny hearing the relatively amateurish lyrics in songs atrociously titled “Rock Pile” and “Danger Zone,” but the new recordings more than make up for that with a sense of fun and adventure that’s been lacking in King’s X for years. One listen to the Sabbathy, blue-note laced “Screamer” will confirm that. “Johnny” mixes in traces of Police like reggae-rock with bassist Doug Pinnick’s soulful voice and degenerates into a ten-minute jam led head first by stellar guitar work from Ty Tabor. Only two of the songs, “Finished” and “You’re The Only One” should have been cut. They have the smell of ‘80s all over them and should’ve stayed there. The rest is a joyful, (there’s a word I never thought I could use about King’s X again) powerful run through faith, hope, and love with just enough fear and confusion to keep things interesting. Hopefully, this is as much of a look into the future as into the past and King’s X will be able to tap some of this energy for their next all new collection. (2828 Cochran St. PMB 302, Simi Valley, CA 93065)

 Chris McKay/concertshots.com

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