King King

“Softly softly” is not a maxim that King King are familiar with. Since surging into life less than twelve months ago they have barely stopped for breath, and their electrifying sound and scorching live shows have generated more of a thunderous roar than a buzz.

This band certainly knows how to make an entrance. Fronted by charismatic bluesman Alan Nimmo, their exhilarating debut at last year’s Monaghan Blues Festival created such a stir that it prompted organizer Somhairle MacConghail to state: “King King aren’t just playing the festival. Word is that King King ARE the festival”. With a reception like this there’s little surprise that the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since, and after a frenetic winter tour the lads are currently gearing up for a hectic summer of gigs and festival appearances.

With outstanding reviews and a diary fit to burst, you’d be forgiven for thinking that King King had enough to keep them occupied for a moment or two. You’d be wrong. Apparently imbued with sufficient energy to power a small town, the band has also found time to get into the studio, the result being their debut EP ‘Broken Heal’. Produced alongside the team behind the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and the Editors (to name but a few), the EP instantly received a gleaming review from Blues Matters Magazine, including remarks on it’s “emotive lyrics”, “heart wrenching guitar solos” and “stirring guitar work”. The band had barely left the studio when they began to receive airplay on radio stations in the UK, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, India, Canada and the USA. Meanwhile, organizers of the renowned Blues On The Farm festival laid their hands on a copy and were so impressed that they made room for King King - despite having already filled the bill for this year’s event.

Thundering on, the summer will see King King descending on the celebrated Maryport Blues Festival, where they will follow Jethro Tull onto the main stage at an event which will attract some 22,000 blues aficionados. Then it’s off to headline at the Shetland Blues Festival, squeezing in some European appearances (including another headline slot at the Hookrock Festival) along the way.

Pretty impressive stuff for a band less than a year old. So what’s at the root of all this commotion? Well, aside from seemingly boundless impetus, the band is certainly not lacking in pedigree.

Leading the charge is the aforementioned Alan, a front man famed almost as much for his contagious energy as his dazzling guitar work. Widely known across the UK and Europe for his pivotal role with the award-winning Nimmo Brothers, Alan’s full-blooded style, technical brilliance and impassioned vocals combine to hit all the right buttons and reach spots that many others can only aspire to.

Bringing up the rear we have Lindsay Coulson. Don’t be fooled by the wry smile – beneath his unruffled exterior lurks a powerhouse of punchy, fat bass who’s musical career has seen him take to the stage with such well regarded blues acts as Aynsley Lister. He has also been a regular in the Nimmo Brother’s lineup, and this history with Alan has resulted in a dynamic musical chemistry which is evident in both songwriting and performance.

New to the King King fold is Bennett Holland on keyboard. An excitable advocate of funky low-down blues, Bennett has worked with a plethora of names including Groove Armada and the critically adored Richard Hawley. A compelling and highly skilled player, rumor has it that there are no arms beneath Bennett’s sleeves – only more fingers.

Running with the King King ethos that more is always more when it comes to talent, this summer’s audiences will also be treated to a special guest in the form of Craig Blundell, recently described by Drummer magazine as “one of the UK's most versatile and staggeringly talented players”. A hugely gifted and resourceful musician, Craig is also clearly a dynamo at juggling – aside from live performances, the last year has seen him in constant demand for worldwide drumming clinics, recording sessions, instructional books and even a documentary.

With this lineup of top-shelf musicians, King King could only draw their inspiration from the best in the business, ranging from legendary greats such as BB King and Albert Collins to the shining lights of contemporary blues like Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer. Drawing on their combined talent whilst cherry-picking the hottest influences, the band has pushed boundaries to craft a fresh, powerful new angle on blues rock which is as infectious as it is accomplished.