Banger Picks |
Douglass Kings"Wheels" The Douglass Kings are fearless. After more than seven years of relentless gigging, touring, recording and DIY effort, this Chicago duo refuses to desert the beauty of simplicity. On their fifth release, "Wheels," the rawness of their sound remains unpolluted. Their stories enthrall while their melodies hook, all of which culminates in flesh raising performances that convince audiences they are bearing witness to a once in a lifetime moment by a once in a lifetime band. As critics and genres self sanitize their natures, the Douglass Kings are nature. Free floating atoms of Husker Do, Avail, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Fugazi, Hot Water Music, Tar, The Stooges and The Minutemen roam and bond within their songs, like Hydrogen & Oxygen, creating an essential compound, but unique to its components. Regardless of objection or accolade, the Douglass Kings have succeeded in honing themselves to the sharp of an edge. Embracing the use of unaltered tones, savage rhythms and throaty dual vocal attacks, they eviscerate the mundane and exalt the truths they find in the big city. Over the roar of Chicago'selevated trains buzzing through rush hour and the jingle of the buskers tip cups, an unexplained pulse is heard. Unspoken but known as the beat of the Douglass Kings. Lovingly constant, purely exhilarating and, as always with this band, unapologetic for being who they are...fearless. |