The Kingcrows – Funland CD (STP)
After a number of EPs, collected together on the Corvus Maximus release and following some well-received live shows, this new album from Leeds punk\’n\’roll band The Kingcrows comes highy anticipated. The good news is that this won\’t disappoint their fans. The \’crows have honed their blend of 77 punk and sleaze rock, with other influences appearing here and there to keep things fresh. Building on some big chorus lines they make sure the singalong factor is present throughout the album. They keep their approach simple and direct without extended guitar solos or other filler material. When listening to this I am reminded of names such as The Lurkers, The Wildhearts or Dirt Box Disco, but I don\’t think that The Kingcrows actually sound like any of the above as they have managed to really define their musical personality on this release. Although the sound is varied there is a consistency and flow to the album which helps make it very listenable. Eleven three minute punk rock anthems that are designed to hit hard and fast, and that\’s exactly what they have achieved with this release. Tom Chapman