King Social – Sounds of Oz

King Social’s fans had such faith in the Townsville band that they donated nearly $28,000 through PledgeMusic for the debut album. The sum was more than any other Aussie act had ever raised through crowdfunding. The gesture humbled King Social and made this five-piece determined to create the best debut possible. With In Colour, King Social might just have achieved its goal.

What a great sound King Social has. Combining silky soulful vocals with rapid-fire rhymes isn’t anything new, but few bands achieve this mix as confidently as King Social. This band also has such a big, tight sound, it’s incredible to think there are just five members of the group.

In Colour bursts out of the gate with “Dance On Your Grave.” It’s such a funky number that’s all attitude. King Social are in their element with party music like this and other floor fillers like “Down With This” and “Watch Out.”

While those upbeat numbers are flawless, King Colour are one of those rare bands that seem just as comfortable when slowing things down. “She’s Gone” is a beautiful ballad about lost love. The single “Lemonade” continues to resonate with all its parental wisdom. King Social is such a tight band, even when it’s letting loose with wailing electric guitars, but it’s refreshing to hear the sound stripped back on the dreamy closer “I Had a Dream.” This is one of those acts that can truly do it all.

In Colour is in stores now. King Social is currently touring around the country. Here are the remaining dates.

9 September 2017 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
10 September 2017 – The Bearded Dragon, Tamborine
23 September 2017 – Longreach Cup, Longreach
29 & 30 September 2017 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
1 October 2017 – The Salt House, Cairns
21 October 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
25 November 2017 – Brews & Barbie Bash, Toowoomba
8 December 2017 – King’s Christmas, Townsville

Image used with permission from King Social

King Social are likely loading up the van as I type, preparing to play shows around the country on the In Colour tour. The early shows will give fans a sneak peek at the album which will drop on September 3.

The album should be something special if current single “Lemonade” is any indication. I love the blending of genres here. The rap is honest and raw and the soul silky smooth. Stevie Mitchell, who wrote and raps on the song, says it’s one of the most specific and personal tracks the band has released.

“I started writing Lemonade just as I was about to begin my current job. I’d bounced around for a while and done every job under the sun and I’d come to a point where I just wanted to put my head down and finish something,” he explained. “It wasn’t meant to be so father-oriented; I was just being honest with myself, that I wasn’t a little kid anymore and it was time to grow up. My dad is a great role model.

“He hasn’t heard the song, but I told him the lyrics once. He gets too carried away though – I fed him the first three lines: “Call me that bastard, these bars are the weapons I harbour, I’m hoping to tread the same footprints and steps as my father…” He stopped me there to berate me for ever thinking I was a bastard – he listened too much, that he didn’t listen.”

Kevin was reluctant to release such a personal song, fearing people who hadn’t lived his life may struggle to relate, but he reconsidered after hearing the track come to life.

“The boys – and the production team at The Grove Studios – have just made it sound so fucking good,” he gushed. “I think maybe they’re more in love with the sound than the message, but I guess that’s what music is all about – presenting meaningful lyrics in an exciting way.”

King Social will play the following headlining gigs and festivals in the coming months.

4 August 2017 – Whitsunday Reef Festival, Cannonvale (FREE)
5 August 2017 – Gigs & Digs Festival, Yamala
25 August 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
27 August 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
1 September 2017 – SS & A Club, Albury (FREE)
2 September 2017 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (FREE)
9 September 2017 – New Globe Theatre, Fortitude Valley
10 September 2017 – The Bearded Dragon Hotel, Tamborine (FREE)
23 September 2017 – Longreach Cup, Longreach
29 September 2017 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
1 October 2017 – The Salt House, Cairns (FREE)
21 October 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Parap
25 November 2017 – Brews & Barbie Bash, Toowoomba
8 December 2017 – King’s Christmas, Townsville