King Daddy
2008 LP Evil Love
Reviewed by Stu Wright
24 April 2008
It’s been a long time coming (I remember playing with King Daddy in my ‘King Krill’ days), but Adelaide’s legendary ‘King Daddy’ have at last unleashed their debut album upon the world. In short, ‘Evil Love’ contains 14 tracks that rival some of Australia’s best works in the Goth Rock / Psychobilly / Swamp Jamboree on Acid / Murder Ballad genres. It’s hard to categorise, but there’s a crack!
‘Evil Love’ was Recorded at Atlantis Studios (Beasts Of Bourbon) for release through Melbourne's Spooky Records - (Spencer P Jones, Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side, The Drones etc.) so kudos to the band in that regard. It’s great to hear King Daddy at home; whilst the songs may lose some of their power the execution is masterfully carried out, with a high level of engineering and production value obvious from the opening powerhouse that is ‘Spontaneous Combustion’.
King Daddy have had several personnel changes over the years, but their present line-up stands as Rich Gohl on guitars; Paul 'Nazz' Nassari on lead vocals; Pange on drums; and Danielle Schriever on bass. Experienced musicians who know their style, and this confidence and capability really shows on ‘Evil Love’. There are a diverse range of influences here, but really for Australian input I’d cross reference a hint of ‘The Sharp’ with a huge dose of ‘Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’. But I’ll stop referencing there, as I feel that this is a stand alone recording, and should help affirm Adelaide’s position as the murder capital of the world.
It’s a great journey from beginning to end, with highlights including ‘Man with No Name’, ‘She’, ‘Fox in the Henhouse’ and ‘Sleeping Gods Lie’ to name a few.
It’s a rich musical experience, tales of woe and love gone awry, set to glingfest guitars, with excellent use of tremolo, wah-wah and clever use of cross fading and panning techniques, upbeat percussion and brooding yet driving bass. This recording is cleverly executed indeed. Nazz shines on lead vocals; you feel you’re right there with these guys as they go on this psychotic journey into the minds eye and the road less traveled.
In summary, one must say this really is an A-league release. Have no doubt - ‘Evil Love’ has the ability to break nationally if heard by the right people.
‘Evil Love’ features guests including Spencer P Jones from the Beasts Of Bourbon, Monika Fikerlova of Love Of Diagrams and Baseball, Sam Agostino of Digger & The Pussycats and Craig Williamson of Luxedo and Dan Brodie & The Broken Arrows - an impressive guest list indeed.
So, get to a show, then take home ‘Evil Love’ and relive the madness that is KING DADDY. You won’t be disappointed.
