Save The World - Get The Girl
By The King Blues
The King Blues have gone from strength to strength after forming in the run down back streets of Hackney almost 3 years ago. Their debut album 'Under The Fog' became an anthem to the underground scene and their popularity has boomed ever since. After a string of popular festival appearances and increased radio plays, it was clear the hotly anticipated follow up was going to deliver and it has with definitive volume. The layout of this brilliant record is proof that this band have more about them than first apparent in their debut, the reggae vibes are still intact, however a diversity has developed that has seen them greatly mature in sound. Take the polka influenced 'For You My Darling' that fuses great bands like The Clash with Gogol Bordello creating an offbeat sorcery of music that commands your feet to dance. The variety of 'Save The World - Get the Girl' brings a whole new dimension to the band and 'Underneath this Lamppost Light' a balladesque song fully equipped with strings and soft vocals prove this band can appeal to such a wide range of people. Lyrically this album displays a range of issues from love to activism and all can relate to the undertones that each song carries. The political faux pas of the first record is still a core element throughout as the anthemic 'These Streets Are Ours' testifies a strong political context whilst instilling a definitive ska vibe that focuses on charismatic rhythms with a percussion section that sounds straight off the streets of Brazil.
It seems The King Blues have grown up in a sense as this fine collection of songs range from spoken word to reggae classics, to punk sing-alongs and ska bouncers, the title track sums up the albums message, a mixture of emotions and politics this album is a must have.
