It's A King Thing

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Written by: DR on 12/03/2010 21:24:03

Has your mother ever caught you masturbating? Are you a nose picker, a late bloomer, a pussy or procrastinator? If so, It's A King Thing might just be for you. Their words, not mine. This indie quintet from New Jersey spent the best part of 2009 recording their second album "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo" (I'm sure there's a very interesting story as to why they decided upon such an excessive title), only to offer it to us for free, so what do you have to lose?

It's A King Thing are testament that youth is only a state of mind. Only one member is the younger side of thirty, yet their music has a youthful immaturity to it - but not to a degree that renders their music frivolous or pointless; instead, it's refreshingly charming. "Baby Tantrum" and "Bill Haverchuck" epitomise how they just want to have fun with their music, both featuring random screams and yells for no apparent reason whatsoever. Neither the lyrics nor the music as a whole explore adventurous avenues, sticking to a formulaic 90s acoustic indie sound and lyrics about the usual: failed relationships, friends and getting stoned.

This band know to pack hooks into songs that barely exceed three minutes. The album opener "Old Hobbies" has a Tigers Jaw vibe in the midst of its catchy chorus and simple repeat-chord approach. "Everything Backwards" is a gentle number, until it erupts with some guitar solo-esque work. "Wine And Ponies" makes greater use of the piano and even brief flirtations with psychedelic rock. The best song "Tammy Faye" is unlike any other on Buffalo x 8, as it has slightly dirty guitar work before more "solos" whilst vocalist Brian Mietz delivers poppy hooks that show the Weezer influence these cite.

Buffalo x 8 is a pretty unoriginal album, but generally very pleasing. Helped by the sweet sound they create that sounds like a hybrid of more playful Death Cab for Cutie with someone like Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate). There isn't a musical adventure waiting to be unearthed here, but if you have half an hour to kill this would be the perfect filler.

Download: Old Hobbies; Everything Backwards; Tammy Faye
For The Fans of: Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate); Tigers Jaw; Weezer
Listen: Myspace

Release Date 16.02.2010
UNSIGNED

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