King Giant - Southern Darkness

August 7, 2010

Reviewer: M.J.

King Giant purvey a tougher-than-nails sound that could be described as bluesy stoner doom on their first full length Southern Darkness. No spit polish on this little gem as it shines with pure clarity right through its dirty facade. Having been around since 2006 the band had released a demo and EP before monster truckin’ over us with these eleven tracks of southern fried goodness.

Groove is in plenty supply as the guys come out swinging on “Solace” before barreling into the crushing “Burning Regrets”. Looking at the titles you might wrongfully assume the band might have some emo-(tional) issues to work out but no worries, as they chronicle: “Regrets, I got none”. So apologies thrown out the truck window are the order for the day and I’ll gladly climb on board for this wild ride. My favorite song, “13 To” happens to occur just two spots in and it’s a keeper.  Echoing a dump truck compacting various metallic compounds, the band loads up with an equal heaping of Soundgarden, COC, Down and Clutch. And speaking of larger than life and heavier than a tank, TAD just may be a distant cousin to these doomy sludgers. Constantly changing the dynamics, the band astonishes in their ability to do so without losing their signature sound. “Mississsippi River” is slinky and oozes a filthy sexual verve - all naughty fun. There’s no doubt that the band brought their A game with this record as it is full of impressive tracks like “Hollow”, “Potter’s Field”, and “Lady Whiskey”. “Desert Run” conspires to bring back the softer side of Kyuss if only for a few fleeting moments while the cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Needle and the Spoon” shows the band taking a classic and breathing new life into it with their own unique interpretation.

Anyone who is a fan of the aforementioned bands are not only gonna get a kick out of Southern Darkness, but may be surprised at how accessible it is despite dropping like a two ton hammer on the ears. Debuts like this don’t come along often so make sure to pick it up and catch King Giant live when they bring Southern Darkness to a town near you. It’s gonna be one helluva a party.

Release Date: June 6, 2009
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  Solace
2.  Burning Regrets
3.  13 to 1
4.  Potter's Field
5.  Mississippi River
6.  Lady Whiskey
7.  Machine Gun Mantra
8.  Hollow
9.  Shindig
10.  Desert Run
11.  Needle and the Spoon
   (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)

Total playing time:  51:44

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