King's X - Live In London
by Dan MacIntosh
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You wouldn't expect it to be so, but King's X is a great live band. King's X is also a wonderful studio act, of course, where vocals are arranged more elaborately than what is usually found with a metal-associated act. It's a shame King's X gets lumped in with metal, however, because Doug Pinnick is a fantastic soul singer, which makes this one funky hard rock trio. A few songs into CD one (of this two-CD set) Pinnick announces that London is his favorite place to play. And what follows is 18 songs worth of live King's X goodness.
Interestingly, this band is as spiritual as ever, even though Pinnick's 'coming out' has a homosexual a few years back got the group blacklisted within contemporary Christian music business. Yet on "Pray", for instance, Pinnick – who calls himself an agnostic these days – asks for prayer. And "What Is This" is not unlike one of David's Psalms – albeit with a whole lot more profanity. Secondary lead vocalist and primary lead guitarist Ty Tabor is more set in his faith, which he expresses best with "It's Love". But "Moanjam", which closes this live set, is perhaps the best hard rock praise song – ever. The combination of Pinnick's soulful vocal and Tabor's guitar soloing on it is simply unbeatable.
King's X opens this concert project with "Groove Machine", quite appropriately. This is because King's X is a kind of groove machine. Unlike too many other hard rock acts, which are about as rhythmic as a chorus of jackhammers, King's X knows how to get their groove on.
Tragically, King's X greatest trait might also be its biggest handicap. The group is so difficult to categorize, encompassing many different musical styles, it has only been able to attract a cult following. Oh, but what a smart and informed cult they're attracted! This is music for people that like great lyrics along with their shredding lead guitar solos – or vice versa. And with Live In London, Pinnick and friends make the listener feel like they are right there with the band – not an easy thing to do. Yes, buy this new CD. But also be sure to check out this oft-neglected band the next time they come through your town. 2 Disc Standard Edition
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King's X - Live In London
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