I must admit, I never really followed the career of the Americans of 'King's X' who released a dozen albums between the end of the 80s and 2008, the year that saw their last opus 'XV' out, the band no longer recording but continuing to tour. 'Three Sides of One' therefore arrives after 14 years of discographic silence and it is likely to divide the band's fans because, the least we can say is that 'King's X' sweeps wide in this latest opus: those who do not like diversity may be disappointed. However, if you like to go from symphonic to modern metal to pop, rock and hard rock, all sprinkled in places with progressive, you should adopt 'Three Sides of One'.
It all starts with a muscular 'Let It Rain' which takes us into hard rock with a marked rhythm and with unbridled guitar riffs and an equally unbridled singing of 'Doug Pinnick' completely in tune with the atmosphere of the title, then, 'Flood Pt. 1' shows a much more contrasting face with heavy sections, close to metal, interspersed with rather quiet popish verses which makes it one of the most original titles of the album. Without transition, place in the ballad of the album 'Nothing but the Truth', rather conventional, which unrolls a beautiful calm and restful melody with a remarkable guitar solo of 'Ty Tabor' in the second part, then, 'Give It Up' (see the video above) sends us effective and lively rock before the very beautiful 'All God's Children' (see the video here) which, on a slow tempo, develops an endearing melody and which highlights very beautiful vocal harmonies. Follows the semi-acoustic ballad 'Take the Time' which brings us back to modern pop with catchy melodic lines, then, 'Festival' picks up the pace again for a lively title with a very pleasant three-way song 'Ty Tabor' and 'Jerry Gaskill' backing up 'Doug Pinnick' vocals. Heavier and harder to grasp, 'Swipe Up' brings at the same time a progressive psychedelic side with multiple changes and rhythmic breaks and this improbable mixture makes it an innovative title, then, without transition, we then embark on an atmosphere à la 'Beatles' with the song 'Holidays' and its light and refreshing melody. We attack the last three compositions with 'Watcher' which continues in melodic pop, then 'She Called Me Home' is a beautiful bucolic ballad which offers us a long instrumental section in the second part with a very beautiful guitar solo and, to finish, 'Every Everywhere' ends the album with a new 'Beatlesian' ritornello with, one last time, splendid vocal harmonies.
In summary, the Americans of 'King's X' are releasing a diversified album which may disturb some, accustomed to more linear compositions, but it is precisely this variety of compositions which attracted me to this 'Three Sides of One' which, even if it does not revolutionize the musical world, is very pleasant to listen to if you take the time to ask yourself to listen to it in its entirety, each composition bringing its own originality... | |
