KING CANNONS are the new musical hope from Australia.
Great bands occasionally come from Down Under. The last band that tried their luck in Europe and was successful for a certain period with the help of Die Toten Hosen was The Living End.
The Living End still exists, but they are no longer as well-known in Europe as they were back when Campino & Co. took them on tour.
The Living End played several concerts in Australia in 2011 with KING CANNONS. Somehow, they must have whispered to the band that Europe is a great place. Quickly, KING CANNONS hopped on a plane and toured through Europe.
Now, with “The Brightest Light,” the debut album is on the shelves of record stores.
The musical roots of KING CANNONS are diverse. The musical history of the individual band members is too. This diversity is audible on the album and makes it difficult to categorize, but all the more exciting to listen to.
What stands out strongly is the closeness to Flogging Molly (especially in the song "Too Young"), albeit without the folk punk, but the vocals and melodies repeatedly remind me of this band.
The band also has influences from punk, ska, rock 'n' roll, and reggae, but the foundation is different, namely roots rock. It’s a rocking album that could also appeal to grandma, grandpa, dad, and mom. A band that unites the whole family.
I can easily imagine KING CANNONS at a nice festival, providing their soundtrack to the sunset. They would fit just as well in an alternative club. They bring people together. This can be seen as the band's intention, as the lyrics are anything but typical roots rock lyrics. Stories are told, and criticism is voiced. This happens in a very friendly, understandable, yet direct manner. To actually create change, it’s not wrong to bring many people together with music to give strength and perseverance to the movement and protest.
However, this album is not a protest song album. It’s hard to categorize because the band has managed to create a very own style.
With “The Brightest Light,” KING CANNONS have released a debut album that will surely make the six Melburnians a well-known band in Europe quickly.
It’s simply great music.
