By Keith Walsh
Demonstrating that rock and roll is an international language, the Italian rock quartet King Size just released a powerful ten-track set with tons of swagger and retro styling. (My Q and A with the band is at Punk Rock Beat dot com)
King Size is the eponymous album from this Venetian four-piece, featuring gritty guitars, blasting drums and bass, and catchy, melodic vocals. Described as “Chuck Berry wearing a mohawk, having a jam session with The Clash,” the band does indeed have tons of punk style, but King Size contains two country-inflected jams (“Million Stairs,” “Running,”) and a gorgeous ballad (“Making No Sound”) among its raucous treasures.
The opener “Rolla” starts with a familiar punk riff, then blasts into verses and choruses that reference classic rock and roll. “Sick People Are The Most Dangerous People,” with its aggressive social commentary and blazing guitar shows off legit punk creds. “I Don’t Know What To Tell You” has the rollicking feel of Irish punk music, ala The Pogues, “Running” again has a country-esque vibe not unlike the rockier tunes by Old 97’s. “It’s Game Over” has the bouncy feel of power pop, essentially dolled-up punk rock.
Simultaneous with the album’s release, the band released a video for “Making No Sound,” starring British comedian Sarah J. Lewis and shot in glorious grayscale. “Making No Sound” is softest track on the set, with sweet Beatle-esque chord changes and an existential narrative about passing time on a drive through town. The following tune “Screaming” has some Beatle influences throughout as well, from the bass hook, to the vocal styling, the guitar riff, — and even the drums are reflective of Ringo’s work. “Outside” starts off as a melancholy ballad about loneliness before developing into a pulsating jam, and the closer “You Got Me Running Away” is a genuine rocker with a classic bass, drum and guitar foundation a shouted chorus, and a cool experimental outro.
King Size, the fourth release by King Size, features tuneful and catchy songs from a band that pays respects to the guitar legends of the past while creating something new and contemporary. King Size is available on the major streamers. It was produced in Treviso, Italy by Marco Dall’Acqua, and released on Hot Studio Records.
King Size LinkTree
King Size On Bandcamp
King Size On Facebook
King Size On Instagram
Sarah J. Lewis On YouTube
Q and A With King Size On Punk Rock Beat dot com
finis