THE KINGS ROYAL
Beginning
Self-Released 2008
www.thekingsroyal.com

Genre
Rock / alternative

The Good
"Invisible" comes at you slow and steady with high-pitched vocals that recall 70s British rock. To keep that 70s vibe going, the group injects some hammond organ into "How Good You've Got It." They also kick up the guitar riffage. "Tweeked" begins with a meaty guitar riff that disappears for the most of the song, only returning briefly on the chorus. The track puts most of the emphasis on its catchy vocal hook. A haunting drum pattern dominates the opening verse of "In My Old World." Emotionally tortured vocals take you on the rest of the journey. The sound is akin to later Beatles material. "The Winning Number" hits you hard and fast and before you can catchy your breath, it's over.

The Bad
While Benny Marchant's vocals suit the band's style of music, he doesn't really challenge his vocal ability.

The Verdict
The Kings Royal throwback 70s sound doesn't really appeal to my musical tastes, but I would liken them to a more interesting version of The Doors.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne