“Softly softly” is not a maxim which King King are familiar with.
Since surging into life less than 12 months ago they have barely stopped for breath, and their electrifying sound and scorching live shows have generated more of a thunderous roar than a buzz.
This band certainly know how to make an entrance. Fronted by charismatic bluesman Alan Nimmo, their exhilarating debut at last year’s Monaghan Blues Festival created such a stir that it prompted organiser Somhairle MacConghail to state, “King King aren’t just playing the festival. Word is that King King ARE the festival.
With outstanding reviews and a diary fit to burst, you’d be forgiven for thinking that King King had enough to keep them occupied for a moment or two. You’d be wrong. Apparently imbued with sufficient energy to power a small town, the band have also found time to get into the studio, the result being their debut EP ‘Broken Heal’. Produced alongside the team behind the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, and the Editors, the EP instantly received a gleaming review from Blues Matters Magazine, including remarks on its “emotive lyrics”, “heart wrenching guitar solos” and “stirring guitar work”.
The band had barely left the studio when they began to receive airplay on radio stations in the UK, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, India, Canada and the USA.
Pretty impressive stuff for a band less than a year old.
Leading the charge is the aforementioned Alan, a frontman famed almost as much for his contagious energy as his dazzling guitar work. Widely known across the UK and Europe for his pivotal role with the award-winning Nimmo Brothers, Alan’s full-blooded style, technical brilliance and impassioned vocals combine to hit all the right buttons and reach spots that many others can only aspire to.
Bringing up the rear we have Lindsay Coulson. He has also been a regular in the Nimmo Brother’s lineup, and this history with Alan has resulted in a dynamic musical chemistry which is evident in both songwriting and performance.
New to the King King fold is Bennett Holland on keyboard. An excitable advocate of funky low-down blues, Bennett has worked with a plethora of names including Groove Armada and the critically adored Richard Hawley
Also this summer’s audiences will also be treated to a special guest in the form of Craig Blundell. A hugely gifted and resourceful musician, Craig is also clearly a dynamo at juggling – aside from live performances, the last year has seen him in constant demand for worldwide drumming clinics, recording sessions, instructional books and even a documentary.
With this lineup of top-shelf musicians, and drawing on their combined talent whilst cherry-picking the hottest influences, the band have pushed boundaries to craft a fresh, powerful, new angle on blues rock which is as infectious as it is accomplished.
They play Cleeres on Wednesday September 9. Tickets available from the bar.
