Search - Crash Kings :: Crash Kings

Very upbeat, sometimes even magical, and I'm sold

Seth R | MA | 07/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alternative rock bands are really a dime a dozen these days. However, how many do you know that do not feature a guitar? Probably not many, and Crash Kings are one of them. I want to say they sound a lot like some band I've heard before, but I can't place a finger on it. That might be because they sound like a lot of bands, but at least they generate their own flavor with piano, bass, and drums. Also in the mix are Antonio Beliveau's spirited, go-lucky vocals that are at times reminiscent of Mika. In fact, "It's Only Wednesday" sounds like it came straight off Mika's Life In Cartoon Motion. This kind of music is great for your esteem and I welcome more of it. You can't help but feel good.



What I like most about Crash Kings' style is that the bass is so prominent. This isn't to say it's the focal point, but it's the sole string instrument (other than violins and cello in "Come Away," a ballad that feels out of place with the pace of the album; the end would have been a better fit). The bass is not just a foundation here. It's tasty and meaty in numbers like "1985," "Raincoat," and "You Got Me." I like to think Michael Beliveau plays his bass a bit like Death From Above 1979 bass player Jesse Keeler. I also like that the piano isn't overdone in twinkly, headache-ish fashion (sort of related, some metal bands overdo keyboards and it's annoying). The amount of piano is just right and complements the other instruments well.



Crash Kings are very upbeat, sometimes even magical, and I'm sold. Hopefully there is more to come."

I Can't Drive 55

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 07/20/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What is wrong with a little piano pacing the mix?



The Crash Kings - Antonio Beliveau (vocals, piano, keyboards), Michael Beliveau (bass), Jason Morris (drums) - ditch the lead guitar for a unique sound on the 10 tracks. And though "Mountain Man" - which packs a punch of the best arena rock from Billy Squier - may lure in the curious, it is where things are kept simple that's most successful.



The top cut is "Come Away," which has a wonderful strings arrangement from David Campbell. "It's Only Wednesday" has the pop sensibilities of the Small Faces, with elements of the Climax Blues Band sprinkled into the mid-tempo "My Love." Morris drives the beat on "Raincoat," while Michael Beliveau provides a harder edge on "You Got Me."



The only stumble is on "Non-Believer," where the gimmicky layered-vocals sounds like something arranged by a clone of Sir George Martin who is on anabolic steroids. But the next cut - "14 Arms" - has a frantic pace that works very well.



The road may be winding, but the twists and turns find this "power trio" commandeering the tangents without the use of the guardrails.

"

Surprisingly good -- good solid rhythm without being overbea

Mahlers2nd | 08/30/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The thing you will notice first when listening to this album is the rhythm. Usually most post-grunge CDs seem to rely on a small symphony of guitarists to create the "musical interest" -- as if they are trying to hard to become the next soundtrack for Guitar Hero.



However, Crash Kings goes against the grain by featuring percussion with Acoustic Piano thrown in to create the melody. The result is a different but interesting sound effect which will have you wanting to listen to this CD over and over when you want something just a bit different.



The one weakness of this group -- the voices. Obviously the trio are talented musicians. However, where more "traditional guitar groups" can get away with miserable singing (because it is drowned out anyway), the arrangements here really require a strong vocal presence not to "clash" with the underlying instrumentation of he songs.



The songs on this CD have "texture" and if you like a strong drum beat and complex rhythms (particularly handy if you are wanting something to help you keep up your energy while on the treadmill), this CD will definitely help you with that. However, if you are looking for a set of songs with "meaningful lyrics and vocals", this may not be the best choice out there. Obviously it all depends on what you look for in your CDs...



[NCJVR]"