Album review: KXM – Circle Of Dolls (featuring George Lynch, dUg Pinnick, Ray Luzier)

September 23rd, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Frontiers [Release date 13.09.19]

Of all the projects George Lynch has been associated with in the past five or six years, KXM seems to be a keeper. We noted their debut, in 2014, “will appeal to his fans (and to those of his fellow musicians) and lovers of hard-hitting, relentless, but ultimately tuneful heavy rock” and this was followed up three years later with ‘Scatterbrain’.

There will obviously be comparisons with the wider work of the constituent members. (Let’s spell it right) dUg Pinnick (King’s X) stamps his distinctive vocals and robust bass, George Lynch harks back to Lynch Mob (if a tad more restrained) whilst Ray Luzier (Korn) makes this a complete power trio.

With such a band, the real strength comes from good, solid songwriting and ‘Circle Of Dolls’ delivers. The three-some are at their best on the mid-tempo stuff such as ‘Lightning’, ‘Time Flies’ and ‘Twice’.

Elsewhere it is fairly relentless and riff-driven such as ‘Mind Swamp’, ‘A Day Without Me’, and the funky ‘Big As The Sun’ although ‘Vessel Of Destruction’ is a bit ordinary.

Sadly the Kings X UK tour in September was cancelled. In the shorter term, ‘Circle Of Dolls’ is a reasonable and relevant substitute. But, moreover, perhaps KXM will further confirm their staying power and announce a tour of their own. ****

Review by David Randall

Album review (KXM, 2014)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)