A Sweeping, Artistic, Musical Statement| Posted April 10, 2015
Kings Kaleidoscope has quietly become a sort of critical darling in Christian music, and their label is re-releasing some of their old work in response. Sin was an EP from a few years back that is among the first to be reissued.
What Works:
The Kings produce heartfelt vertical worship music (both traditional standards and originals) with an unrivaled artistic touch. These guys know how to spin an intricate and engrossing musical web that amazes and takes the breath away. Be it stunning string sessions, slamming orchestral beats, or the gritty guitar-work, these tunes are packed with a musicianship that the industry is so hungry for, I am not sure they are going to know what to do with actually getting it.
Fittingly re-released during the Easter season, 2 songs about the crucifixion are among the album's standouts. "One Righteous Man" and "What Have We Done" are emotional takes on Christ's death on the cross that are quite the dynamic musical journey. Contrasting the righteousness of Christ and the vile treatment He received and the tension between the salvation of the Cross and the sins that put Him there, these songs dig deep and invite listeners to consider the cross beyond just the skeletal accounts we may have gotten so used to.
Worship standards "How Deep…" and "Jesus Paid It All" are Kaleidoscized appropriately, with the vivid instrumental backing that made the other songs so enticing also lending a new life to these timeless classics. You haven't heard these hymns done like this before, and that is proof of the EP's merit.
What Doesn't:
The vocal style and delivery are sometimes a bit of an acquired taste. Trading between accessible pop/rock vocal lines and innovative indie experimentation, there are definitely creative risks taken. While this gives a bit of an "arthouse" feel to the whole production, some of it limits the replayability of the songs. While the talent was definitely there, behind the lush instrumentation, some of the songs felt a bit undercooked at times.
Closing Thoughts:
The Kings are certainly a name to watch, and their critical acclaim is going to give them a platform to really release some defining tunes of this musical era. Sin was a noteworthy precursor to that greatness and its re-release is clearly justified, even if it's more appetizer than main dish.
Song to Download Now:
"One Righteous Man" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
