The Ugly Kings is not the name of the latest reality TV show, but a blues rock band from Melbourne, Australia. In the last 12 months, The Ugly Kings ed rockers Airbourne in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and in April ed Rival Sons at a sold-out gig in Melbourne.
Performing at a David Bowie tribute in 2016, singing “Lazarus” led them to release it as a single in January 2017 due to a hearty response from their growing fanbase.
Moving from that scenario The Ugly Kings have given us at The Moshville Times their latest EP, two-track record, Promised Land.
Christos Athanasias starts with a blues riff. Russell Clark enters the fray with Andy Alkemade’s drum beat, Nicolas Dumont on bass connects it all on the “Promised Land” – an emotionally charged track quite reminiscent of Rival Sons. It allows you to feel comfortable while drifting away, and missing your next stop. A great introduction to The Ugly Kings showing a ion for rock and blues.
Following is the second and final tune “Wash Me of My Sins”. Listening to this track shows the band are willing to showcase a different style. Keeping it fresh, this one would fit perfectly on the movie soundtrack for Oh Brother Where Art Thou. A rousing clap of hands provide the beat to Russell Clark’s acapella. His comrades allow us to feel his every lyric and word. I’d prefer more.
This melodic meditative EP has dark monotones which I love. Only two tracks, so I sit here wondering if this this a build up to their future? Let’s hope so. Personally, I’d like to have another one or two tunes to see where they are going.
Promised Land is out now
The Ugly Kings: facebook | twitter | bandcamp
