Philosopher Kings - Castles Review
So what do you get with a band that’s been apart for over 5 years and put them back together? Well, you get “Castles”, the long-awatied album by the Philosopher Kings following their successful “Famous, Rich, and Beautiful”.
To be honest, the first time I popped it in and started listening to this new album, I was expecting something similar to their last album, an in-your-face funk/soul album that comes out phat and bold. My sister, whom so graciously gave up her copy and passed it onto a friend to bring it over to Shanghai for me, told me that she wasn’t all that impressed by Castles. And upon listening to it I definitely had a similar reaction to it. However, I decided to listen to it over and over a few times just to get the songs into my blood.
Like in all forms of art, often when a piece of art is released, the public isn’t all quite ready to receive it in the glory that it duly deserves (Think how revolutionary and the bewilderment of many fans when first listening to U2’s “Actung Baby” and looking back now, you’ll be wondering where we’d be without such a album). But again, there are times when it never gets accepted by the general public. To my ears, I’m learning towards the former for this album and I’ll tell you why.
The amazing thing about the PKs is that every core member of their band has the gifted ability and creativity to go on their own, but they’ve chosen to get together to pool their thoughts and musical feelings. And this is how it’s out. Instead of the glam and glitter of their last album, they’ve come back to something simpler, ethereal, almost like a “been there, done that” attitude letting this album stand in its own artistic right. Mind you, I can’t imagine the number of bands out there that wish they had the skill and flow that these guys do…
So here are some of my favorites songs so far:
Castles - Released early. It has a very relaxed groove that breathes a lot of confidence in where they are and what they’re doing. I mean, it’s not often you’ll find nowadays people singing “da da”’s in the background.
Somebody to Love Me - Best groove so far. It caught me the fastest. It made me tap, air drum, and want to sing this song. Tight. Love the wah guitar solo.
Beautiful Creature - “James Brown, where are you?” Love the triple kick + piano hits, definitely adds that attitude.
I Want You - Hey, he’s pretty clear with this message. Love the alternative low pitch and falsetto that really matches the straight rhythm that makes you feel like you really better get out of the way of this madman.
On the downside, the album does have a “everything sounds the same” feel to it, but then again, most would compared to their previous album.
But my sister puts it quite succintly when she spoke of her PK live concert experience in Vancouver last week, “They’re just awesome.”
Rating: good pick up
