Every now and then a band finds it’s way into my life cutting through all the muck and bullshit only to present itself as a more than welcome and exciting experience. I was all set to go watch and review Black Stone Cherry here in Atlanta when my buddy and local photographer Shawn told me about one of the opening acts. The mentioned act is a power house trio from Los Angeles called Kyng so I had to check them out since Shawn and I are on the same musical wavelength about 90% of the time. What I heard was sonically amazing and their music possessed everything I love about good classic hard rock. In the same vein as Graveyard, these guys deliver no frills roots driven hard rock inspired by acts like Soundgarden, Black Sabbath and even Cream that will blow your mind, melt your face, and then some.
With a few boxes of t-shirts, home burned CDs (the album hadn’t been delivered yet) and some home made leather key chains, Kyng is doing it the old school way. They are on the road and earning the attention and respect of people in every town and when Kyng took the stage, you couldn’t help but be drawn into their world. Starting their seven song set with “Spit,” Kyng right away had the crowd in the palm of their hand. As singer/guitarist Eddie Valiz began to riff through the song and sing with unbridled passion, the audience literally began to move forward as if caught in some sort of sonic tractor beam. Kyng’s performance was passionate and sincere as they trucked through song after song. The rhythm section of Tony Castaneda (Bass/Back up Vocals) and Pepe Clarke (Drums) create a solid groove that allows Vailz to step to the front and deliver some really moving and intense guitar playing that puts him close to guitar god status if not already right there.
Kyng has a very commanding presence that you couldn’t overlook even if you tried. The songs are solid, the performance is stellar and the heart is there. You can really see, feel and hear the hunger that these guys have. Kyng’s only intention is to turn people on to their music. Someone might hear them and say that it’s nothing new or nothing groundbreaking. This may be true but are they doing it as good if not better than most? Without a fucking doubt. Kyng is a band that is going to live up to their name and I predict that soon, people will be hailing the Kyng. Look out everyone as the Kyng has arrived.
For more on Kyng, go to https://www.facebook.com/KyngRocks
[svgallery name=”Kyng – 07-21-2011 – Atlanta, GA”]
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