Album review: LITTLE RED KINGS – The Magic Show Part One

Bandcamp [Release date 29.05.20]

Little Red Kings last album ‘Callous’ was a veritable delight of blues, rock and gentler acoustic moments. Expectorations are high with this fan on any new music from the band. As vocalist Jason Wick explains about the recording of ‘The Magic Show Part One’ – “We recorded the album at Goat Pen Studios, a facility I put together here in Norfolk. It’s where we write, experiment, practice and record”. It certainly comes through on the sound, which is clear and organic, no programming or auto tuning here.

The swaggering opener ‘Harry’s Town’ starts things off in fine style, big riffs, catchy chorus and a gang chorus on the outro. Hardly time to draw your breath as ‘Almost Over’ breezes in on a tasty Hammond riff. Vocalist Jason Wick certainly has the pipes to deliver this type of blues rock that tips a respectful nod to the likes of Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, whilst adding in Little Red Kings own sound.

It is not all high tempo rock ‘n’ roll as ‘Peppermint’ has more than a hint of Bruce Springsteen about it, whilst ‘Lose The Light’ has a country rock vibe and a song made for daytime radio airplay. Proving they like to go wherever the music takes them, the piano led ‘Norfolk Border’ is full of soothing vocals and gentle atmospherics.

Little Red Kings have found their sound big time on this album, making it one to be played often and loud. Working in their own studio and creating music together has paid off big time. Even better is that this album is only part one, roll on part two! ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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