With their latest album, Tape Head, King's X stick with their strengths, those being their complex vocal harmonies and incredible guitar tones, while adding an element of harder and darker music and lyrics. Probably the most pronounced change from the last album is the use of a powerful low-end guitar groove. Although not every song uses this, those that don't suffer for it.
The first three songs on the album, "Groove Machine," "Fade," and "Ono," are nothing short of spectacular. Unfortunately, other songs such as "Hate You" and "Mr. Evil", seem out of place and overtly angry for King's X songs. While there are some incredibly good songs on this record, there are some incredibly poor ones, like "Little Bit Of Soul" and "Hate You", marring what should otherwise be a complete listening experience. Also, the inclusion of a live track called "Walter Bela Farkas," which features the guitarist from the Galactic Cowboys screaming at the top of his lungs, will undoubtedly cause many listeners to scramble for the stop button, as it did me. Probably the biggest flaw with this album is that it doesn't stretch the band's abilities. King's X has been using the same musical formula for over a decade now, and its age is really starting to show. Maybe a more pronounced musical change will reinvigorate the band for their next album.
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Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesCatchy pop hooks and crunchingly hard rock are what has defined King's X for as long as I can remember. Their new album, Tape Head, is no exception to this general rule. If you've heard King's X, or are already a fan, then no introduction is necessary. If you've never heard them before, though, this album may be the introduction you've been waiting for. The switch of record companies seems to…HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Doug Van PeltTwo happy announcements were made today. First, we got a package in the mail from Metal Blade with this new King's X album in it. While it was playing, we got a phone call from the record company, confirming that there would be a King's X song on this issue's HM Sampler CD! One spin of this new disc told all six of us on staff here that the band had done it again. They'd cranked out some great…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinMusic, oh music, such a funky thing. The closer you get, the deeper it means. Welcome to the Groove Machine! Welcome to the groove! King's X is back in almost top form with Tape Head. If you are a fan of the band, you'll be pleased to learn they've combined their signature sound with a few surprises. In fact, they've largely revisited the original sound they carved with their debut album, Out of…Similar sounding releases
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