Heavy rock’s premiere power trio is back with a vengeance. With their first studio album in fourteen years, King’s X have returned. Combining their signature harmonies, funk and metal vibes into a seamless, cohesive record that defines the bands mission.
Beginning with the leadoff single ‘Let It Rain.’ ‘Three Sides of One’ sets an immediate tone. ‘Flood Pt. 1’ kicks the metal up to eleven. While retaining a groove. And incredibly specific vocal harmonies. Solidifying their reputation as the ‘steel Beatles.’ ‘Nothing But the Truth’ follows in that vein. However, it’s balladry separates it from its predecessor. The closing jam makes the track a stand out. A classic King’s X trope.
‘Give It Up’ brings in the high energy. Sounding the like band hasn’t missed a beat since their 90’s heyday. ‘All God’s Children’ is one of the best examples of how this band harmonizes. It’s unreal. And to top it off. They throw in one of their signature extended jams at the end. The second on the record. ‘Take the Time’ introduces Jerry Gaskill’s first lead vocal on the album. Reminiscent of ‘The Difference (In the Garden of St. Anne’s On the Hill)’ from the ‘Gretchen’ album, the track sounds like a perfect representation of King’s X simply sitting in a circle and singing their hearts out.
‘Festival’ is a simple, Ty lead track. A satirical look at what can happen at out of control music festivals. Proving that the X are the true originators of the hard rock sounds of the 90’s. One of the albums true highlights follows. ‘Swipe Up’ is simply King’s X at their absolute best. The drop heavy riff. The groove. Harmonies, time changes. Mixing their influences from The Beatles to Pantera. This is the kind of song that makes King’s X unique. And an act that no one dares follow. ‘Holidays’ kicks the ‘Beatles’ influence up a notch. Another one of three Jerry lead vocal tracks. Which is an element that makes ‘Three Sides of One’ a unique King’s X album.
‘Watcher’ is another major highlight of the album. The soul and passion is so prevalent. You can’t help but get on your feet and sing along. A true earworm. And definitive proof that King’s X are truly the most underrated bands of all time. ‘She Called Me Home’ rounds out the dark, melodic vibes. While ‘Every Everywhere’ closes the album out with traditional, yet alternative feel that’s sure to please the deepest of fans.
Overall, ‘Three Sides of One’ is a true King’s X classic. But with just the right amount of a modern twist. It’s their strongest record in 20 years. Sounding like the band hasn’t missed a beat in their 14 year new material absence. Here’s to hoping that it leads to a late career renascence. A strong four out of five stars.
