King's X

Item: Black Like Sunday
Author: Brendan Boughen

Black Like Sunday

(2003)

Reviewed by Brendan Boughen

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Label Metal Blade RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

alternative rock hard rock progressive rock

Well ... King's X are back. With the first crunching chords of Black Like Sunday pumping out of the stereo speakers, I thought any fears I had for my fandom not surviving beyond another King's X album would dissipate. As the album progressed, I wasn't so sure it would.

(I'm sorry to digress so early in this review, but I need to get something off my chest. In my opinion, the last King's X album Manic Moonlight was a simply dismal effort from a band which is capable of much, much better. They really should have released the four decent tracks off this cringe-worthy, drum-looped album as an EP and thrown the rest in the garbage. There I've said it; now, back to the review!)

There are many things a band that has achieved legendary status can do to avoid facing up to the fact that they have run out of good, new musical ideas. They can release live albums, covers albums, a second best of collection, or as in the case of Black Like Sunday, re-recording "songs from the vault" (that is, rehashing old material).

I know many of the major-league hardcore fans of this band are especially disappointed because they already know these songs from the band's early days as The Edge and Sneak Preview. However, as a hopelessly devoted fan since 1990's Faith Hope Love who hasn't heard these songs before (and also a dejected, Southern-hemisphere dwelling one who has never had the chance to see them live!), I feel a little differently. That is, I love the music. Black Like Sunday has the classic King's X sound I adore. Low-end, gut-wrenching chords, superb guitar leads from Ty Tabor and the soulful voice of Doug Pinnick.

The title track and "Bad Luck" pump like real hard-rock songs should, and their diminished chords are highly reminiscent of Dogman. "Screamer" could have fit alongside anything on their debut, Out of the Silent Planet, while "Down" has the psychedelia that characterized 1996's Ear Candy and "Johnny" is the sort of long King's X jam in which you can just sit back and wallow. Even King's X's first recorded reggae number, "Dreams", gets a thumbs up. However, several of these songs just haven't survived the two decades in the crypt and are a little moldy. "Danger Zone." "Working Man." "Finished." "You're the Only One." and "Won't Turn Back" are cases in point; very 80's and musically quaint. Still, as historical curiosities polished up for present day exhibition, they're okay.

But ... (you knew it was coming!) ... these last two songs in particular bring me to the big problem with Black Like Sunday, and my fandom stands on the cliff-edge as I write this; lyrically, it's ghastly. And I mean awful. Cheesy, dated and lackluster. There is nothing poetic on this album that lights up the mind like almost everything in the King's X catalogue prior to Manic Moonlight (another lyrical misfire.) They obviously grew up a lot after writing these songs. Also, in the light of Doug Pinnick's well documented, self-imposed disassociation from Christianity, it is odd that he would even feel comfortable singing overtly religious songs like "Won't Turn Back" and "Bad Luck." The body of lyrics don't match where the band are at now in terms of spirituality, which in my mind is a lazy approach.

Bottom line: Black Like Sunday is a good stop-gap until the next properly new King's X album. But while listening, the nagging thought that struck me was, what does the future hold for King's X new material? With the number of side-projects now matching the total number of King's X albums and often surpassing the latest in quality, a fan must ask the question, have the X-men jumped the shark? One more studio album like Manic Moonlight and it will be R.I.P. King's X for me. I think they desperately need to hire a producer again. Yes, we all know about the problems that occurred with Sam Taylor (after helming the band's first four genius albums), but a decent producer would push them further than they have pushed themselves since taking over their own production reins. For example, I'd love to hear what someone like Rick Rubin could do with King's X, in the same way that Brendan O'Brien helped them loosen up on Dogman.

If I was to talk to the band face to face, I would probably say something like this; Doug, Ty, Jerry; I love you guys and have for over twelve years, but please, follow the example of your buddies the Galactic Cowboys and either quit now, or do me proud with an album that I will be happy to play to my friends again. Take five years if you need it, get a producer, and don't just take ten days to record it. Take your own advice, from "Rock Pile"; "If you're smart and stay insane, you'll stand the test of time." You've done the insanity, now get smart. In the meantime, I remain a fan and will spin Black Like Sunday every week until next time. With much love from a devoted fan...

2.5 tocks