Kings of Dust is an intriguing mix “musicians from two of Jake. E. Lee bands (Badlands and Red Dragon Cartel) as well as 2000’s glam rock heroes Crash Street Kids and late 80s / early 90s heavy hitters Surgical Steel (mentored by the one and only Rob Halford).” Recorded throughout the spring and summer of 2019 and mixed throughout the fall at SoundVision Recording in Mesa in Mesa, AZ, the self titled release was produced by Greg Chaisson, mixed by Michael Thomas Beck and mastered by Brad Vance (Rainbow, Graham Bonnet, Ritchie Blackmore, Warrant, etc) at Red Mastering in Newbury Park, CA.
I must admit that even though opener ‘Like An Ocean’ is quite a nice mid-tempo rocker to kick things off it didn’t blow me away first time even tough all of the elements seem to be there – great rhythm section, nice production, cool vocals and great guitars. After a few listens It still doesn’t quite connect but I can’t say that for the rest of the album which pretty much sizzles.
‘Upon Reflection’ by contrast is a great groove rocker that smoulders nicely, it’s the kind of song that seems likely born from a jam and it’s that organic sound that works so well here. ‘What’s The Other’ picks up the pace and paints a story of self motivation; and ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ has a nice swing that these guys seem to do so naturally well. They’ve hit their stride!
And it gets even better: ‘My Piece of Mine’ is slinkier, funkier and more jazzy and again has that wonderfully warm improvised feel. ‘Ugly’ as it says in the liner notes “refers to times when the need of the dark side can be an asset to one’s well being.” It’s a great song to take us to the half-way mark, a wild rocker with lots of fizz and fiery guitar.
And thankfully the second half of the album is just as impressive: ‘Yours Not Mine’ is louder and dirtier before it settles and starts to shimmy and swagger; whilst ‘Ya, That’s Me’ for my money is the best song here it’s got that Van Halen vibe and some lovely touches like a nice bit of slide and a killer refrain. ‘By You’ that follows is a nice contrast as the crickets sound and the acoustic is plucked it’s just a minute long and really an intro for what comes next: ‘Mama’ my other favourite, a simply stunning bluesy rocker that is as close to Badlands as we get.
The final three come in the form of the swaggering and immensely satisfying ‘Wolves’; the riff-riding extended solo full of wails that is ‘A Little Bit of Insanity… For JEL’ and closer ‘Keep The Spirit Alive’ which is a nice bluesy mid-tempo rocker.
There’s a definite old school vibe here but I’m getting a few notes of early Bulletboys too, as well as that demi-Halen swagger and groove that opens up a host of possibilities. You’ll like this especially if your love of Hard Rock predates the late 80’s.
BAND: Michael Thomas Beck – Lead vocals | Ryan McKay – Lead Guitars, Backing vocals |Greg Chaisson – Bass, Backing vocals | Jimi Taft – Drums, percussion, backing vocals