Customer Reviews

Khronos

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I saw these guys live, without actually meaning to. They played a small club in Portland in support of this CD, and I went to see a friends' band that opened the show. Afterwards, another buddy mentioned he thought Maktub was okay, so I stuck around for about three songs, and was completely underwhelmed. Most of the crowd drifted away to the bar even before that (except for a few die-hards, presumably on a road trip down from Seattle for the evening). They were possibly the lousiest band I've ever seen live. Not musically - that part of the act was fine, but despite their blazing alt-rock poses and singer Reggie Watts' big 'fro, as a group Maktub had as much charisma on stage as a bowl of soggy oatmeal.

A year later, I found Khronos stuck in a bargain bin at a record store. For some reason, it struck a chord and I bought it on a whim. I popped the disc into my car stereo and, crazy enough, there it stayed, for most of the summer.

Maybe I was still a little prejudiced from the lame live show, but it took a few listenings for me to get into this album. Maktub is one of those bands who's stylistic influences don't always mesh gracefully, resulting in music that oozes all over the place: bland, soul-less ballads mixing with with bombastic, Led Zepplin-ish style rock and Sly Stone funk; much like the original Saturday Night Live crew, when the boys are on, they are on. Unfortunately, when they're not, they're not.

Thank God for my iPod. It's given this album a whole new life, being able to edit out the boring crud from the jams. 'Give Me Some Time' rocks, and the moody 'Just Like Murder' is the best song on the CD - and they're probably the most radio-friendly tunes on the album, too.

After immersing myself in Khronos, I went back and bought Maktub's debut album, Subtle Ways. The leap Maktub has made musically since then is immense. The band is solid, but the addition of versatile guitarist Thaddeus Turner since that first effort has really fleshed out the band's sound (and their follow up to Khronos, 2005's Say What You Mean, is even better).

The star here though, is Reggie Watts (a fixture of the Seattle music scene since the early '90's), and his deep, expressive baritone. He's got the vocal chops - and the hair - to burn bright enough to eventually leave these guys behind (see his solo album, Simplified).

Reggie Watts provides spectacular vocals, combined with outstanding percussion from Davis Martin and sweet solid guitar, bass and synth, makes this one of the best CDs I've ever purchased.

This CD is well recorded and produced with the sound being super rich and smooth, just as the promotion says "soul drenched and raw".

What can I say? Was turned-on to Maktub by a freind and am better for it. Just bought 4 more copies to give as gifts.

I can't begin to describe just how gratifying this CD is. I've been listening to it almost exclusively for several months now and I've been addicted to every song at one point or another. It is the favorite CD in our household by a landslide - my wife and both of my kids (8 and 9) are severely addicted to it as well.

The musicianship, the orginality of the song arrangements, the power and texture of Reggie Watt's vocals, the very tasteful blend of blend of Rock & Soul, the addition of Thaddeus Turner on the guitar... I can't say enough about it. Although I loved their first CD - Subtle Ways - Khronos far surpasses their debut album. And I have enough faith in this band that I think their 3rd CD will be just as good as Khronos.

Maktub is going to be huge. Their music is substantial, original, and has 'staying power'. It's not what I call 'popcorn' music - music that leaves you feeling hungry for something else after listening to it 2 or 3 times.

Buy this album now.

Khronos, Subtle Ways and Reggie Watts (lead singer's) new album Simplified all have a unique taste to them. I'd recommend picking up each for a different occasion. Subtle Ways is passionate and powerful heavy soul. Khronos is for those that like it cleaned up a bit and like more radio friendly songs. Great Led Zepplin cover on it. Simplified is beautifully diverse, shows just how incredibly creative Watts is. His self coined 'new wave soul' style, makes you want to find a girl and fall in love over and over. All 3 albums are worth your money!

I was introduced to Maktub by a friend who took me to a live show of theirs. I was hooked. Maktub somehow manages to sound great on CD, and are phenomenal live. The band really gets into the music, and frontman Reggie Watts has an outstanding voice. Highlights of Khronos include:

"You Can't Hide" - Nice catchy groove to set up the album
"Give me some time" - Totally cool '70s sound, possibly their hardest hitting live song.
"Just Like Murder" - Very smooth ballad
"No Quarter" - Amazing cover of the original Led Zeppelin song, and my personal favorite.

This album is outstanding work, and definitely deserves to be checked out. If you live in the general Seattle area...SEE THEM LIVE!!! I promise you'll have a great time. Strange as it sounds, the CD doesn't even do the band justice, they just have that much energy in their live performances. Check out Maktub now, so you can tell all your friends you've been listening to them for years once they make it big.

Fantastic. I heard this band interviewed on an NPR show one morning a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I got to my office I went to CDNOW, listened to some samples and bought it. I love this music. The tracks are very tight and the vocal styling is out of this world. This is one not to be missed. A+++

I've been a fan of Maktub in Seattle since I saw them open for India.Arie a few years ago and can't think of a local band I'd rather see live. This is a great album but go see them live if you ever get the chance.

maktub has sexy music. reggie watts' voice is so beautifully smooth, and the instrumentals can be rocking or hypnotically melodic. love this album.

Great, funky stuff--hands down the best album I got last year!

Hey, hard to find such a good band nowadays. Lots of funky soul with just the right rock n roll edge. I saw the band in San Francisco on 2002 and they just rocked the house! They deserve wider recognition.
It is just that kind of album that puts a big smile on your face. Really... Punchy production, with smart arrangements and the vocals are super-star level.
Start with "You can't hide" and "See clearly" for the more danceable, good vibes songs. Then move to "Baby Can't Wait" and " We've got desire" for more romantic and still uplifiting stuff. You can even rock hard with "Gimme some time" and "Motherf".
Regarding the "No Quarter" cover: the song is one of my favorite Zep songs ever and it is just awesome that they play it. Maktub finished the concert with it and was memorable ( and I was way into Absolut/Red Bull by then ;-)... Anyways, I still miss a jazzy guitar solo in the mid-section. They laid down a tight groove but where is the fluidity?
But hey, this is such a great album. It has made many friends of mine happy (even coming from crushing hang-overs) and can surely rock your dorm. Buy "Kronos" and support this fine band!