King Friday - The Aristocrats

King Friday

The Aristocrats
self-released; 2013

4.1 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

It was obvious the first time I heard King Friday that they are capable of writing a near endless supply of pop songs. Some of their previous efforts seem more veered towards a lot of singer/songwriter type material but with their new record The Aristocrats they seem to sound more like a cohesive band. Every song on the album contains drums, bass and guitars except the last song in contrast to their previous album where a lot of the songs revolved around an acoustic guitar. One thing that hasn't changed is that the music still feels not as if it is a tip of the hat to bands from the 60’s but is actually a band from that era. The songwriting is simple yet refined and is stuffed with a variety of poppy hooks that stimulate the senses. This is the type of album that just sort of puts you in a good mood. While the songs aren't overly happy and don't exude an exaggerated emotion like you just won the lottery they feel more like you went for a walk on a nice day on a sunny day but still have that late bill you have to pay. 

The Aristocrats starts which I dare to say is the hardest song in the catalog of King Friday. “A Chart Making Work Of Staggering Genius” showcases distorted guitars at least in the beginning before it simmers down a bit. It felt a bit like the Beatles “Revolution 9” because of their guitar tone. “The Aristocrat” is a little piece of pop perfection as the vocal melodies are some of the best on the album as the vocalist sings “Honda Accord up to the store we’ll buy some whiskey then some more and drink until we hit the floor til we don’t have to feel things anymore” on the verse followed by the even catchier chorus “gotta get away”. Never without their sense of humor I thoroughly enjoyed “Cowboys Must Burn Their Eyes Always Riding At The Sun.” They close the album with a piano ballad called “A Barista and A Flight Attendant Walk Into A Bar.” The song is so heartfelt and simple that it felt like an appropriate way to close the album.

Have King Friday raised the bar again for themselves? That's arguable but what I can say is that this feels like their most complete record.

Become A Fan