King Cannons

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King Cannons

King Cannons "King Cannons EP" album

- Release date : November 2010 -

King Cannons is the self-titled debut EP from the New Zealand six-piece, King Cannons, released on November 26, 2010.

"King Cannons EP" album tracks and lyrics

"King Cannons EP" album reviews

This EP feels like honesty tied to a sledgehammer; the New Zealand six-piece have grabbed The Clash and Bruce Springsteen by the scruff of the neck and throttled them into some weird shape called King Cannons.

After leaving small town NZ to seek greener pastures in London a couple of years ago, the earthy punk band found nothing but roadblocks in the Northern Hemisphere. So fast forward a year or so, and greener pastures have turned up – in Melbourne, Victoria. After a period of good ol’ fashioned name-building around the Melbourne scene, King Cannons landed a deal with EMI. The fruits of all of that labour? A tight little five-track debut EP full of punch and grit and honest rock ‘n’ roll.

Starting off the proceedings is the downright irresistibility of ‘Take The Rock’, with 70s punk attitude mixed with 80s pub rock hooks that Cold Chisel would be proud of. ‘Teenage Dreams’ revels in the same smoky pub feel as songwriter Luke Yeoward retells the well-thumbed tale of dreams snatched away by adulthood.

Things get fiercer with ‘Gasoline’, a heavy-handed ska cut that stands equal with ‘Take The Rock’ as the strongest on the record. ‘Smoked Out City’ is a small-town anthem of classic rock that gives an overt nod towards The Boss himself, while the closer ‘Time To Yourself’, which sees the band engage in an experiment with reggae, unfortunately suffers in comparison to the rest of the blistering songs on the recording.

Taking influence from both London and New Jersey, King Cannons have nailed a classic rock sound that’s distinctly from Down Under.

*** by Rick Warner, The Brag ***

Melbourne based six piece King Cannons make music that is a little bit punk, a little bit reggae, a little bit roots and a whole lotta rock. This is a genre I’ve never cared for but even to my skeptical ears their self-titled EP is a well crafted release that showcases the band’s obvious talent and enthusiasm for their sound. King Cannons play with so much passion and energy that it is impossible even for a hater such as myself to dislike this release as the music exudes excitement and fun with a nostalgic whimsy for summers long gone.

Opener “Gasoline” sets off at a frenetic pace with front man Luke Yeoward’s vocals delivered in a venomous fashion. “Smoked Out City” is the perfect travelling song for a big boozy road trip with it’s slow building melodies that explode into a fantastic sing-a-long chorus ‘in a smoked out city on a two wheel cruiser, lookin’ for the Big Kahuna’. Radio spruiked single “Take The Rock” is the definite highlight with it’s catchy riff and Yeoward’s impassioned cries, which is a striking feature of their sound that elevates King Cannons from being simply a fun band, to a band that plays with heart and soul. “Teenage Dreams” is another infectious dance-worthy gem that is sure to have you up and moving. “Time To Yourself” ends the EP on a relaxed note with it’s comforting laid back reggae grooves.

The King Cannons EP is a fantastically fun release from a band who play with a shambolic swagger and endearing energy. Their music makes me want to scull whiskey, chain smoke and grind on table tops with a reckless abandon. Turn the stereo up and loose yourself in their good time vibes.

*** by Kat Mahina, The AU Review ***