While it’s been a few years (it’s actually been six) since I last caught, Kingswood live. In that time it is obvious that the guys have kept busy. Five records later and an astounding two new albums this year both diverse and engaging. A slew of international shows, breaking into some of the most distinguished US streaming playlists Kingswood are having their ‘Homecoming’ that alone is worthy to celebrate by playing to their devoted Melbourne fans. What makes tonight even more special is the launch of Kingswood Lager available here at The Prince Bandroom in St Kilda.
Tonight, there is so much to take in and I have to break it down into two parts. The beer and then the show. So sit tight as I gather my thoughts on what was truly a special night.
So let’s start with Kingswood Lager. The band and brewers have gone all out in promoting the larger, there are posters placed in the windows of the upper level of The Prince Band room visible from the street and there is ever “Penny” the Kingswood Lager bus parked outside the venue (and getting a slight rear bumper touch up with a can of black spray paint as I drive to find my parking spot). This is a big, bold and impressive launch and I haven’t even entered the venue yet. Well done to all involved.
I enter the venue and have my name ticked off the guest/media list and head upstairs to the Princes band room area. I’m early because the online links state things kick off at 8 (which I assume is doors) only to be guided into the back bar of the band room which is closed off from the band room and full of fans, friends and family. There is finger food and as I go to buy my Kingswood lager I’m told it’s free. I feel like I crashed the VIP Beer Experience party but was assured that if I had been let in and guided to the room I was OK being there. Thank you again guys, that was unexpected.
Now onto Kingswood Lager. Is it any good ? First things first, a little background on how Kingswood Lager came to be. It has been a labour of love and beer for the band as they took on looking for the best brew to capture the essence of the band. Kingswood Lager has been a labour of love for Damian Costin, Patrick Gorman and Richard Macchiesi along with Alex and Fergus from Kingswood. Hesitant and wary of how broad the spectrum of craft beer can be I really didn’t know what to expect. The end result is a super smooth Lager that is best experienced ice cold. Keep an eye out for Kingswood Lager as it will go hand in hand with this coming summer. It is expected and rumoured to be finding its home in many of Melbourne’s finest live music venues shortly, but as I understand it, The Prince Bandroom have added it to their rosters of beers now.
Opening tonight’s show was Louis Valentine and the Golden Age who delivered a 12-song set of catchy folk-pop songs. The Golden Age, Louis’s band are a percussion heavy, six-piece rhythm & blues powerhouse who give a serious nod and wink to 50s rock ‘n’ roll and spaghetti westerns. Together, Louis Valentine & The Golden Age play a really cool brand of dirty cowboy soul music. These guys are so damn good and captivated this guy completely. They have been on high rotation all day while writing this review. My personal favourite track is ‘Try’ it’s a super catchy track with a great lyric and a killer chorus.
Lyrically the stories told by Louis are relatable, tongue in check and full of every emotion imaginable. The one emotion that they left with me is a smile, one that started from last night. Please give these guys a listen and show them some love when considering your next visit to a streaming platform. Better yet get out and see them live you won’t be disappointed.
Kingswood, what can I say about these guys, how do I do justice to what I just experienced at The Prince Bandroom? I guess the first thing that comes to mind is Kingswood deliver a set that has the ability to mesh together everything they have ever done seamlessly into one live sound that somehow just exceeds what you hear on record. What you hear from Kingswood on record is expanded and enhanced live and I will elaborate on that in a moment.
Where many who choose to pigeon hole music considered their stellar ‘Home’ album from earlier in the year to be a country album I hear it a little differently, it has one foot very firmly planted in rock n roll. What Kingswood deliver in 2023 is where the band to me sounds most comfortable and at home (no pun intended). The record itself probably does lend itself to that genre slightly but to me it is a rock album through and through with a nod to modern county music.
The bands most recent release ‘The Tale of G.C.Townes’ is such a diverse twist on the sound of February’s ‘Home’ and truly sinks its teeth into the genres of country and folk music. My first listen to ‘G.C.Townes’ was one that felt comfortable and familiar. I’m still struggling to exactly pin point what it throws me back too. Whatever it is it’s good. To think that both ‘Home’ and ‘The Tale of G.C.Townes’ were recorded at the same time just showcases how incredibly talented this band is.
Throughout the manifestations of the band stylistically Kingswood continue to evolve and surprise. The broad strokes that they create with can not be defined or predicted. For me, at the core of it Kingswood are a rock band. On stage they confirmed that in every way possible. Tonight’s show had me blown away and at times questioning myself why aren’t these guys household names?
Lyrically they are clever tales, told with hooks that just catch every time. I read recently that Kingswood describe this era of the band as Kingswood 3.0 and on further consideration it true. From their beginnings where they were more akin to being a hard rock band with familiar qualities to band a like Kings Of Leon to their indie-pop/rock sensibilities of the 2010’s to today’s more contemporary rock approach, this really is Kingswood 3.0.
What I love about this band is the way they integrate all three stylistic incarnations into one massive live beast. All four parts of Kingswood’s engine are finely tuned, each of the four parts creating something powerful, beautiful and dynamic. The vocal combination of Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska give so much depth to what they are able to deliver as band. Each compliments the other whether singing lead or not. Once you add in the other two voices you really do have this lush harmony on vocals.
The quieter moment of the show where Linacre takes to the keyboard he again delivers in spades for something a little different in light and shade. The set from tonight’s show takes pieces from their entire catalogue and puts them together in a very uniformed manner which is the bands live sound. Kingswood are clearly very comfortable in know the songs they write. They have the unique ability to adapt their songs regardless of which to what they deliver live.
Laska is a beast of a guitar player in his own right and his tone, style, presence and technique make him captivating to watch. Everything was there tonight that you would expect to be. The hits, the new material, the fan favourites. For me out of the new material ‘One Too Many Times’ was the stand out live.
In the moments where I closed my eyes and simply just listened Kingswood engaged me completely. In other moments I felt the energy and of what we know as Southern Rock, which if you look at it that as a genre is essentially the blues and country music’s bastard child. This is the point where all 3 mach incarnations of the band comfortably sit live. This is their home, their signature and their scent.
Welcome home guys and thank you for a killer show !!!
Photos by Shot By Slaidins Photography
GALLERY
Louis Valentine & The Golden Age
Kingswood
