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CD REVIEW: Glamour Kings - Front Row Seat to the End of the World By: Cyrus Rhodes
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Artist: Glamour Kings CD: Front Row Seat to the End of the World Label: Independent Artist Website: www.glamourkings.com Genre: Rock, Punk, Psychedelic Rock Sounds Like: Ministry, NIN, Maryln Manson Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade:
7/10
Weakness:
Repetitive Catalog, Overly Intense Mix, A few winded songs
Glamour Kings: a 3 piece from Long Island, MY just released their debut release entitled; Front Row Seat to the End of the World. Band members include: Michael Urge (Vox, Guitars, Synth, Bass, Programming), John Biordi (Drums) & John Brillian (Live Synth & Guitars).
The CD kicks things off with “Invest in Heaven” a psychotic intro piece that sets the stage rather appropriately for this catalog of music. This first piece explodes in your ears quite like a lemon would explode in your mouth. It has driving rock rhythms, against pulsating bass & lyrical content that pushes hard. Track 2 entitled “Generation Greed” serves up a trippy psychedelic vibe that eventually lends itself to steady bass driven groove against pulsating melody & impressive vocal layering. Track 3 “I Marry Money (Rebecca) explodes into a kaleidoscope of sound with everything from sinister keyboard & synthesizer accents. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic Ministry, Marylyn Manson, & NIN. Defiantly Industrial type rock/techno grooves meshed with a rocked out textured. The music is extremely melodic but definitely brings to the table a lot of unpredictability. GK brings to the table a wide range of instrumentation & exotic soundscapes. You will notice rich musical textures overflowing everywhere - from rocking guitar pyrotechnics, driving electronic drums to pulsating bass grooves meshed with synthesizers & hypnotic keyboard accents. I especially like the low end grooves & beats presented on the album - as thick as a brick. As far as the vocals from Urge - they are melodic, hypnotic & push the envelope wit a mesmerizing quality. Lyrical content is dark with messages that are powerful & extremely captivating. There's not a dull moment on the entire production. The melodic layering is deep, the low end grooves are infectious. From dynamic “Love, Kids, Marriage” to infectious “Paris in Poverty” to rocking “Sunday School” & psychedelic “Night of Frankenstein” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “3 Miles” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this magnitude.
The mix is comparable to a bold font to the ears. I like the in your face approach, but over time this mix can be a big wear on the ears. At times this CD is a bit repetitive & lacks peak & valley effect. Some of the bass grooves & drum rhythms sound a bit robotic & synthetic. All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line.
From start to finish Front Row Seat to the End of the World by Glamour Kings is a tripped out musical experience. No doubt the brazened rebel in all of us will love this release. It’s extremely consistent, original, & in your face. Its strength - its amazing originality, amazingly powerful messages & unique musical personality. I give GK a lot of credit for boldly trying to reach the world with their unique message. Make no bones about these guys can at times be clever & tenacious. When the ride is over you will be dazzled by their originality, overwhelmed by their message, & mesmerized by the musical delivery.
Cyrus Rhodes
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