King's X - Ear Candy
(Atlantic, 1996)

King's X are the unsung heroes of modern rock music. More than fifteen years after their conception, they still lack true financial success, which seems like a nefarious conspiracy, considering how unbelievably talented they are. This sixth release broadens their horizons, building on the grunge tendencies of the previous record Dogman, but smoothing and refining it to perfection. This album feels like the perfect companion to a long drive on the highway into the sunset; a friend reassuring you that you aren't alone.

There lies a superficial dose of psychedelia on this record, which sinks through your head ever so sweetly on tracks such as A Box, where Ty Tabor's ravishingly surreal guitar lead is a refreshing trip through outer space. The lead stompers The Train and unjustly failed single Looking For Love magnificently rock like the best of their catalogue. Run and Mississippi Moon are brisk light rockers that glow vivaciously and warm your heart. The unfathomably heart-wrenching Lies In The Sand (the ballad of...) is one of my personal favorites, where Ty Tabor's perfect guitar solo ranks up with the best from David Gilmour or Brian May. The true masterpiece of Ear Candy though proves to be Picture, which radiantly flows through a pleasing light guitar line, then gently smashes through a bold chorus. The song also features Doug Pinnick's touchingly retrospective lyrics, which intertwine this song together into what should have been the mammoth hit of 1996, but due to Atlantic's botching of the publicity on this release, King's X go home empty handed once more. In spite of that, there still remains a mighty and fanatical following of King's X fans that keep this band alive, and I'm willing to bet that someday this group will achieve some recognition (they had a bit of fame on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Bands, in which they were #83 I believe). In the meantime, breathe deep of the stirring Ear Candy, and remember that the best music still lies under Billboard's radar.

Rating: 5/5