King Creature: Volume One

Having the good fortune to have legendary Motörhead frontman Lemmy ask them to open the show at what, tragically, proved to be his last UK gig, King Creature come with a hefty recommendation. However, we've all seen and heard much lauded support acts that turned out to be as run of the mill as sliced bread when someone took them into the studio. Thankfully that's not the case here, the band formed round the impressive guitar skills of Dave Evans (who's built strong links with Marshall Amps through his formative years), taking us on a trip through time to get their message across. With an obvious love of some of Sabbath's more upbeat moments and a real appreciation of what made the somewhat gloomy sound of classic Alice In Chains as surprisingly uplifting as it was, King Creature know exactly how to straddle the 70s and 90s, while pretty much ignoring what came in between.

With bassist Dave Kellaway proving to also be a lead vocalist with character beyond his young years and the band's compositions not appearing too eager to reveal all their secrets at once, the rather safely titled Volume One makes for a mature listen that stands up to repeat visits. Most young band's given the opportunity to show what they've got feel the need to fall over themselves as they tumble all their tricks and flicks on the floor. However with "Lowlife" combining a mid-paced riff to a power punch of drums and Kellaway's easy drawl (which is very Layne Stayley in places) nothing could be further from King Creature's minds. Instead this is a solid surge of confident rock, punctuated by a searing guitar solo that explores Evans' obvious talents (there's some serious Zakk Wylde homage at times). Cleverly "Fortune Teller" follows up with a similar, if somewhat brighter smack of intensity, King Creature clearly more interested in building big bold statements that will last the course.

It's a theme throughout and while, in truth, some of the songwriting could be just a little tighter to really keep things up to early high standards and the Alice In Chains love could be toned down ever so slightly, the likes of "King For A Day" and "The Pusher" really pulsate with the energy this young band bring. While "Can You Forgive Me?" reveals an interesting tender side to their attack that you might not expect.

With a slew of high profile support slots gained since their brief encounter with Lemmy and friends, and a few admirers in high places gained along the way, King Creature have been making waves in more ways than one. More importantly their debut suggests they have the tenacity and maturity to take those positives and turn them into an impressive catalogue of songs. Volume One is the first confident step on what looks like being the road to success.

Track Listing
1. Lowlife
2. Fortune teller
3. Can't be saved
4. Dead inside
5. Power
6. The pusher
7. Can you forgive me
8. Money
9. King for a day
10. Wrath

Added: September 23rd 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: King Creature online
Hits: 1990
Language: english

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