The Tasty Kings The Kindness of Numbers
Founded in New York City, this band has shaped its fourth studio album into a jangly, dusty Americana-dominant landscape. Their forte is part Del Lords, through ear-caressing “Tess of Soho,” that brings an earthiness to an urban geography that glides into a partially rootsy Grateful Dead-era (“Sunset”) plaintive melody. Charlie & Will Sexton (guitars/vocals) lay down pastel, smoky vocals that are warmly rustic.
Produced by Andrew Morse (guitar/Farfisa/bgv) & David Boyle, the 10 well-cultivated songs of The Kindness of Numbers (Dropped Nov 7/Stand Clear Music/United Masters) were recorded in Austin, TX. The motivation rolls on into the ass-kicking “Fix My Head.” Still, with that Del Lord’s pulse via a Grateful Dead resonance, I found this easily likable. It’s different in a charming manner. There are even shades of The Band, Bernie Taupin’s brief run with the Farm Dogs & “End of the Line” with its bluesy harmonica (Wade Schuman) has a Traveling Wilburys sparkle. Of course, the guitar work throughout these pieces is propulsive & driving if not seasoned with escapism. The way R&R was meant to be.
With some Lou Reed intonation & vocal tone, “New York Girl” is sung with the purest of intentions, not ignoring the slight Dion DiMucci forever-cool-dude style delivery. With an alt-country curve on a Big Apple subject. Peculiar right? But it’s done with finesse. Even the backup vocals on several cuts are inspired.
Laid out with more of a Tito & Tarantula/Los Lobos/Doug Sahm foundation is “After You’re Gone.” Another slice of cool, if not all too brief. That’s probably my only criticism is that some songs could’ve afforded a few more verses, another round of instrumental bravado, or a solo on a different instrument for variation. It would’ve served up more flavors.
These guys, despite their impeccable musicality as art, express the requisite feelings without integrating much showboating. Instead, they use tender musical softeners with their wonderful words & melodies, savoring vocals & confident performances. I was left anticipating more & maybe…that’s exactly what a surprisingly great album should do.
Highlights – “New York Times,” “Tess of Soho,” “Sunset,” “Fix My Head,” “End of the Line,” “New York Girl,” “After You’re Gone,” & “Just Like Home.’
Musicians – Darryl Jones & Tony Garnier (bass), Charley Drayton (drums/percussion/bgv), Danny Thompson (percussion), Stephen Barber (piano/Fender Rhodes), Kevin Trainor (guitar/ bgv), Milo Deering (viola), Juliana Sheffield, Georgia Bramhall & Sally Allen (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Stand Clear Music. CD @ https://standclearmusic.com/
