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Reviews

WorldService Project — For King and Country
(RareNoise RNR062, 2016, CD)

by Jon Davis, Published 2016-09-23

For King and Country Cover art

This is one of those cases where I want to write a review that simply says: “Stop reading my review and go get this immediately!” But I realize there are very few people in this world who would be willing to take my word on such a thing without any supporting argument. With this in mind, I will continue… This English quintet is built around the compositions of keyboardist Dave Morecroft, whose instrument of choice is a grungy sounding electric piano. In addition to a back line of bass (Arthur O’Hara) and drums (Harry Pope), his music is filled out by Tim Ower (saxophone) and Raphael Clarkson (trombone). With very few exceptions, these guys are simply wailing, and Morecroft’s crazed vocalizations (wouldn’t call it singing, exactly) just add to the no-prisoners-taken, no-holds-barred nature of For King and Country. They manage the heaviness of a metal band without guitars, and there’s a fringe of lunacy that keeps the pieces from ever being predictable. The attitude is definitely punk, and while they do fit in with some of RareNoise’s other artists (Naked Truth, Spanish Donkey, and so on), they are distinctly their own band. There are epic riffs, frenetic solos, edge-of-the-seat arrangements, and even catchy melodies. Fans of such punk-jazz practitioners as Panzerballett, Material, and the more aggressive jazz on Cuneiform should definitely check this out. A no-brainer for inclusion on the year’s best list.

Filed under: New releases, 2016 releases

Related artist(s): WorldService Project

More info
http://worldserviceproject.bandcamp.com/album/for-king-country

 

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