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Killing From A Distance: Killing From A Distance
 From the photo copied cover art and standard "band shot" it highlights, you'll be left with no doubt that Scottish Rockers, Killing From A Distance, are doing things on a budget and yes, it does show slightly in the dynamics of their self titled debut effort. However for a band just starting out (although I think they'd admit they aren't exactly young bucks) those really are the only downsides. In terms of sound, an interesting mix of Innocence Is No Excuse era Saxon sparks against the classy Bluesyness of Bad Company, while a melodic undercurrent always keeps things more accessible than gritty.
Singer Jim Jackson immediately grabs the ears and the attention, with a husky, yet powerful attack commanding, yet beguiling in a surprising Biff Byford meets Jim Diamond kinda way. Add to that a guitar assault from Andy Farrell (although Ian Murray has been added on second guitar since), where he strikes a fine balance between fiery solos, raucous riffs and memory tugging hooks and KFAD have the basis of what it takes to make their mark (that they can pull all this off live as well, sure doesn't hurt). "Rising Up" broods into sight, an enigmatic melody line delivered with just the right amount of force, while the chorus shows the ability to add a little variance without feeling in any way tagged on. "Your World" suggests a love for the Lizzy (the Thin variety of course), twin guitars getting their message across in a reserved yet unafraid style, the pairing of bassist Cami Morlotti and drummer Kevin Mooney showing they convince at both full pelt and mid pace.
As is maybe expected for a debut effort, there are a few slightly less vital moments, the main guitar line to the otherwise catchy as hell "Maria Maria" immediately evoking a beefed up take on Neil Young's "Rocking In The Free World", while "Don't Say Yes" maybe suggests 'Gillette advert' just a little too much for its own good. However when you take into account the irresistible bounce of "Choices", the staccato Bluesy burst and classy gang vocals of "Come On In" and the mid tempo burn of the immediately sing alongable song from which the band take their name and this is an album that keeps drawing you back for more.
There's no doubt that I'll hear, slicker, classier, better produced debut albums from many an act this year. However there's a fair chance that only the very, very best of them will gain more playing time than this engaging and thoroughly impressive effort from a band who seem to already know exactly what they're good at.
Track Listing
1. Rising Up
2. Maria Maria
3. Your World
4. Killing From A Distance
5. Sleep Alone
6. A Little Too Late
7. Don't Say Yes
8. Choices
9. A Chance To Say Goodbye
10. Come On In
Added: February 25th 2020
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score: 
Related Link: Killing From A Distance at SoundCloud
Hits: 2190
Language: english
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Killing From A Distance: Killing From A Distance
Posted by Steven Reid, SoT Staff Writer on 2020-02-25 21:57:42
My Score:
Yes, it’s been the best part of six years since I reviewed the debut release from Scot’s rockers Killing From A Distance and we’re still awaiting a follow up. In the meantime what the band have gone and done is beef up the sound of the album reviewed above. Thankfully they haven’t gone too far and altered any of the heart and soul that made this self-titled effort the honest blast of hard rock that it was. However, what they have done is coaxed a much bigger drum sound, more refined but no less engaging vocal presence and bolder, richer guitar explosion from the original recordings.
The effort has been well worth it, with “Maria Maria” an even more believable and irresistible chant-along, while the mid-paced stomp of “Sleep Alone” suddenly possesses even more authority (and some early KISS harmonies in the chorus), whereas the opening wallop of “Rising Up” just about knocks you from your feet in this renewed guise. With “Choices” becoming a razor sharp romp and “Come On In” nothing short of a glorious anthem, the effect is thoroughly intoxicating.
With the shock departure of singer Jim Jackson announced mere days ago, the next chapter of KFAD may continue to be some distance off. As things stand their one and only album still makes a mighty impact and even more so in this updated and improved form. If good, honest, memorable hard rock is your thing it’s definitely time to listen to these lads and, as they say themselves, come on in!
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