Kings X
London Camden Electric Ballroom
12th April, 2011

Their blend of metallic riffing, three-part vocal harmonising and Christian-themed subject matter may have proven too diverse for mass acceptance, but Kings X seem content enough with cult status, before a decent-sized, committed crowd. A much heavier proposition live than on record, they kick-off as they mean to go on with Groove Machine. A distinct 60s vibe permeates the songs, their love of Hendrix, The Beatles and Cream mixing with soul, funk and metal influences. Doug Pinnick’s soaring vocals and solid bass underpin their sound, allowing Ty Tabor to dazzle with fluid, melodic guitar work, while Jerry Gaskill knocks seven shades out of his drums. The telepathically tight extended stop-start climax to We Were Born To Be Loved attests to their 25 years together. The 100-minute set allowed for classics Summerland, Over My Head and the crowd-sung Goldilox, while the meatier Dogman, Black Flag and Pray also got an airing.