record review: Kaki King - Junior

Kaki King broke into the mainstream in 2007 through her stunning contributions to Eddie Vedder’s Into the Wild soundtrack. Her guitar creations cannot be reduced within the bounds of the measly six strings from which they dissipate, as her signature brand of experimental music uses the instrument in fresh and varied ways—most notably as an object of percussion.

On her latest album, Junior, Kaki King finds her voice (quite literally) in a more straightforwardly rock direction. There is a notable shift from her previous work: there are fewer instrumental tracks and much more emphasis on King’s strengths as a vocalist.

At times, the guitars and vocals are airy like Pink Floyd (“Spit It In My Mouth”), elsewhere, more aggressive drums are followed by siren guitars (think early Foo Fighters). There are definitely nods to Pearl Jam, probably as a direct result of King’s collaboration with Vedder.

This album is interesting not only because of King’s mastery of the guitar and her innovative approach to songwriting, but also because it is truly unlike any other form of contemporary music. It doesn’t fit into any of the popular indie subgenres (post punk, surfer rock, lo fi). It finds its strength in a steady diet of 90s alternative rock but also incorporates experimental sounds. “The Hoopers of Hudspeth” even hosts a seductively subtle horn section.

King ends the album on a bitter note, in a ballad to a bad breakup called “Sunnyside”. The honesty found on this track is empowering by virtue of King’s openness about her lesbianism, but it will resonate with people of all sexual orientations. King explained “I’m hoping there’s something universal in that song that someone’s gonna listen and think ‘Wow, I can relate to that’ because I don’t want it to be my pity party.” Mission accomplished.

4/5

Kaki King - Death Head [mp3]

the album drops on April 13th, you’d be well advised to check it out

tour dates:
April:
15 Williamsbury Music Hall New York, NY
16 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
17 Middle East Boston, MA
19 Iron Horse Northampton, MA
20 Port City Music Hall Portland, ME
21 Higher Ground Burlington, VT
28 Theater of the Living Arts Philadelphia, PA 29 The 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
30 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC

May:
1 The Variety Atlanta, GA
2 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, TN
4 Beachland Cleveland, OH
5 The Ark Ann Arbor, MI
6 Park West Chicago, IL
7 High Noon Madison, WI
8 The Varsity Minneapolis, MN
9 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE
11 The Fox Boulder, CO
12 Belly Up Aspen, CO
14 Neumos Seattle, WA
15 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
16 W.O.W. Hall Eugene, OR
19 Knitting Factory Reno, NV
20 Mystic Theater Petaluma, CA
21 The Fillmore San Francisco, CA
22 El Rey Theater Los Angeles, CA
24 Belly Up San Diego, CA
25 Glasshouse Ponoma, CA