Whereas it’s been a number of years (it’s really been six) since I final caught, Kingswood stay. In that point it’s apparent that the fellows have saved busy. 5 data later and an astounding two new albums this 12 months each numerous and interesting. A slew of worldwide exhibits, breaking into a number of the most distinguished US streaming playlists Kingswood are having their ‘Homecoming’ that alone is worthy to have fun by enjoying to their devoted Melbourne followers. What makes tonight much more particular is the launch of Kingswood Lager out there right here at The Prince Bandroom in St Kilda.
Tonight, there may be a lot to soak up and I’ve to interrupt it down into two components. The beer after which the present. So sit tight as I collect my ideas on what was really a particular evening.
So let’s begin with Kingswood Lager. The band and brewers have gone all out in selling the bigger, there are posters positioned within the home windows of the higher degree of The Prince Band room seen from the road and there may be ever “Penny” the Kingswood Lager bus parked exterior the venue (and getting a slight rear bumper contact up with a can of black spray paint as I drive to search out my parking spot). This can be a large, daring and spectacular launch and I haven’t even entered the venue but. Nicely carried out to all concerned.
I enter the venue and have my identify ticked off the visitor/media checklist and head upstairs to the Princes band room space. I’m early as a result of the net hyperlinks state issues kick off at 8 (which I assume is doorways) solely to be guided into the again bar of the band room which is closed off from the band room and filled with followers, family and friends. There is finger meals and as I’m going to purchase my Kingswood lager I’m advised it’s free. I really feel like I crashed the VIP Beer Expertise celebration however was assured that if I had been let in and guided to the room I used to be OK being there. Thanks once more guys, that was sudden.
Now onto Kingswood Lager. Is it any good ? First issues first, a bit of background on how Kingswood Lager got here to be. It has been a labour of affection and beer for the band as they took on on the lookout for the most effective brew to seize the essence of the band. Kingswood Lager has been a labour of affection for Damian Costin, Patrick Gorman and Richard Macchiesi together with Alex and Fergus from Kingswood. Hesitant and cautious of how broad the spectrum of craft beer could be I actually didn’t know what to anticipate. The finish result’s an excellent easy Lager that’s finest skilled ice chilly. Maintain a watch out for Kingswood Lager as it would go hand in hand with this coming summer season. It’s anticipated and rumoured to be discovering its dwelling in a lot of Melbourne’s most interesting stay music venues shortly, however as I perceive it, The Prince Bandroom have added it to their rosters of beers now.
Opening tonight’s present was Louis Valentine and the Golden Age who delivered a 12-song set of catchy folk-pop songs. The Golden Age, Louis’s band are a percussion heavy, six-piece rhythm & blues powerhouse who give a severe nod and wink to 50s rock ‘n’ roll and spaghetti westerns. Collectively, Louis Valentine & The Golden Age play a very cool model of soiled cowboy soul music. These guys are so rattling good and captivated this man fully. They have been on excessive rotation all day whereas scripting this assessment. My private favorite observe is ‘Attempt’ it’s an excellent catchy observe with a fantastic lyric and a killer refrain.
Lyrically the tales advised by Louis are relatable, tongue in test and full of each emotion possible. The one emotion that they left with me is a smile, one which began from final evening. Please give these guys a hear and present them some love when contemplating your subsequent go to to a streaming platform. Higher but get out and see them stay you received’t be disenchanted.
Kingswood, what can I say about these guys, how do I do justice to what I simply skilled at The Prince Bandroom? I assume the very first thing that involves thoughts is Kingswood ship a set that has the power to mesh collectively every part they’ve ever carried out seamlessly into one stay sound that by some means simply exceeds what you hear on report. What you hear from Kingswood on report is expanded and enhanced stay and I’ll elaborate on that in a second.
The place many who select to pigeon gap music thought-about their stellar ‘House’ album from earlier within the 12 months to be a rustic album I hear it a bit of otherwise, it has one foot very firmly planted in rock n roll. What Kingswood ship in 2023 is the place the band to me sounds most snug and at dwelling (no pun meant). The report itself most likely does lend itself to that style barely however to me it’s a rock album via and thru with a nod to trendy county music.
The bands most up-to-date launch ‘The Story of G.C.Townes’ is such a various twist on the sound of February’s ‘House’ and really sinks its tooth into the genres of nation and folks music. My first take heed to ‘G.C.Townes’ was one which felt snug and acquainted. I’m nonetheless struggling to precisely pin level what it throws me again too. No matter it’s it’s good. To assume that each ‘House’ and ‘The Story of G.C.Townes’ had been recorded on the identical time simply showcases how extremely gifted this band is.
All through the manifestations of the band stylistically Kingswood proceed to evolve and shock. The broad strokes that they create with cannot be outlined or predicted. For me, on the core of it Kingswood are a rock band. On stage they confirmed that in each approach doable. Tonight’s present had me blown away and at instances questioning myself why aren’t these guys family names?
Lyrically they’re intelligent tales, advised with hooks that simply catch each time. I learn not too long ago that Kingswood describe this period of the band as Kingswood 3.0 and on additional consideration it true. From their beginnings the place they had been extra akin to being a tough rock band with acquainted qualities to band a like Kings Of Leon to their indie-pop/rock sensibilities of the 2010’s to at the moment’s extra up to date rock strategy, this actually is Kingswood 3.0.
What I like about this band is the way in which they combine all three stylistic incarnations into one huge stay beast. All 4 components of Kingswood’s engine are finely tuned, every of the 4 components creating one thing highly effective, stunning and dynamic. The vocal mixture of Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska give a lot depth to what they can ship as band. Every compliments the opposite whether or not singing lead or not. When you add within the different two voices you actually do have this lush concord on vocals.
The quieter second of the present the place Linacre takes to the keyboard he once more delivers in spades for one thing a bit of totally different in gentle and shade. The set from tonight’s present takes items from their total catalogue and places them collectively in a really uniformed method which is the bands stay sound. Kingswood are clearly very snug in know the songs they write. They have the distinctive means to adapt their songs no matter which to what they ship stay.
Laska is a beast of a guitar participant in his personal proper and his tone, fashion, presence and approach make him charming to observe. The whole lot was there tonight that you’d count on to be. The hits, the brand new materials, the fan favourites. For me out of the brand new materials ‘One Too Many Instances’ was the stand out stay.
Within the moments the place I closed my eyes and easily simply listened Kingswood engaged me fully. In different moments I felt the power and of what we all know as Southern Rock, which should you have a look at it that as a style is basically the blues and nation music’s bastard youngster. That is the purpose the place all 3 mach incarnations of the band comfortably sit stay. That is their dwelling, their signature and their scent.
Welcome dwelling guys and thanks for a killer present !!!
Pictures by Shot By Slaidins Photography
GALLERY
Louis Valentine & The Golden Age
Kingswood
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