The Kingdom
I haven't been this enthused about a new low-fi indie pop band since I came across Envelopes a few months ago. But for a young act with only a single EP on offer, The Kingdom are remarkably assured.
You should know that their debut recording Unitas (US, UK) is an eight-track encomium to Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas. Having devoted my existence to learning as little about football as possible, I really couldn't say if Unitas deserves the tribute. But it's a pretty special EP. Packed with sonic ideas culled from 60s garage rock, neo-psychedelia and post-punk, The Kingdom rise above their influences with great, melodic songwriting and enthusiastic, even slightly unhinged, execution. I hate to raise this specter, but they remind me a bit of Arcade Fire--if Arcade Fire (or maybe their fans) took themselves less seriously.
With music like this you always have to ask the question: irony or not? I think not (or not so much). I think these Portland kids are having a blast.
I Am Constellation - The Kingdom (genius!)
Arcadia Of My Youth - The Kingdom
Demos:
Die All Over Me - The Kingdom
Vampyr Holes - The Kingdom
The band expects to release a full-length record early this year on Arena Rock Recordings. I predict much-deserved hype.
posted by Amy at 11:55 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
great as ever, sorry for not adding you to the sidebar before, since I've been coming back here ofetn, I'm doing it right now.
Gotta listen to this as it sounds interesting. I'm d/l'ing as I type. Oh, Johnny Unitas was a special player. As a football fan, I can vouch for that fact.
oh wow, great find! i love them!!
I'm glad to see Portland bands getting some love.
Thanks all. Sloop, I feel like all I ever do is find good new Portland bands. What's in the water?
johnny u = awesome.
i think i may have to give these a few more listens to catch the arcade fire reference.
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