Customer Reviews

Royal

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

 

 

The sophomore studio release by this punkabilly band shows that they not only know how to generate the rockers, but that they have the ability to put together a ballad or two and integrate other influences into their sound. The style of the songs range from an almost early Elvis sound to the Cramps punk sound to the Bosstones sound with a few twists and turns along the way. While this CD isn't the all the fast-paced frantic sound of their first one (or their live shows), it does demonstrate the talent of the band's current configuration. "King" Kendall's vocals are powerful and strong but he's still able to sing a ballad like "Flipping Coins" with a great feel to it. Guitarist J.D. Burgess has the traditional swing and rockabilly riffs down cold and he gets them to fit well in the punkish songs. Jack Hanlon's upright bass playing makes the group's rhythm thunderous and Judd Williams' drumming fits right into the groove of the songs. Right now it seems that this group is a well kept secret, but if you're into rockabilly, punk, or roots rock, you'll enjoy this CD and you'll enjoy their live show even more.

I quite like the Reverend Horton Heat but I'll have to totally disagree with Jason Josephes review above stating that The Amazing Crowns are trying to be RHH. They don't sound much like them at all except for the rockabilly influence. Personally I like the Amazing Crowns much better than RHH, particularly on this album - I believe that they have really found themselves on 'Royal'. It is much more diverse than their debut album drawing influences from the roots of it all (Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Johnny Cash) with an injection of nitrobilly punk rock that probably owes more to the Cramps than the Rev. But all in all it is a refreshingly original release that rocks hard in places (Mr Fix It, Chop Shop) offers a wonderful ballad (Flipping Coins) and has some brilliant salutes to the roots of rockabilly combined with their own unique style. Kendalls vocals/lyrics are superb, the band is tight, the mix is perfect and there is not one bad song on 'Royal' - they are all great. If you like rock, punk, rockabilly all thrown into a bucket of sweat and grease buy this album - you will not be disappointed.

If you know what to do with pomade, can look at a nut and know which size wrench to grab, if you agree that real Americans drive American cars, then you probably already have this recording. If you don't have it, get it. These guys are pros and it shows. In a sea of drunkards sportin fake horn rimmed glasses, doin covers of Johnny Cash and Elvis, these guys are an island of originality and the genuine article.

I'm from New England and have dug these guys for awhile, and their first disc is among my faves. But - and I hate to say it - this record bores me. It lacks fire and punch. It sounds like an uninspired Mike Ness solo record. I don't know if it's the production or the new guitar player or the cliched lyrics or what, but this is just too smooth, like the Rev's last few attempts. I think they're still a great live band, but stuff like the hook on "Chop Shop" is just plain cheezy and the disc sounds like so many other neo-rockabilly bands, whereas they really used to have a harder, more distinctive sound.