Artist: King Krule
Title: 6 Feet Beneath The Moon
Label: XL/True Panther Sounds
Rating: 7.5

British singer, songwriter and musician Archy Marshall aka Zoo Kid or King Krule is to release his first album 6 Feet Beneath The Moon  this August. He’s been playing under the moniker King Krule since July 2011, inspired by the character ‘King K. Rool’ in the Nintendo game ‘Donkey Kong Country’. Following his debut single released as Zoo Kid Out Getting Ribs which was recorded and mixed in his bedroom with his friends Francis North and Thelonious McCabe, his King Krule EP was released in 2011 and his new alias and sound were truly on their way up. 6 Feet Beneath the Moon was produced by Marshall alongside Rodaidh McDonald (Savages/The XX).

Likened to Morrissey and Edwyn Collins, King Krule is inspired by Gene Vincent and Fela Kuti making music using dubstep techniques it sits somewhere between darkwave and new wave. He spits lyrics with a distinct English accent and album opener “Easy Easy” showcases his stripped back vocal style. “Borderline” brings in a funky, easygoing guitar riff under a more intense subject matter – divisions and distortions.

“Has This Hit?” addresses equally deep contemplations; “Why when I look into the sky there is no meaning? Well I’m the only one believing there’s nothing to believe in”. Marshall’s voice cracks under the emotion, and it is most endearing. Soothing ditty “Baby Blue” is a cute track and ode to a lady friend, “Girl I’ve got no chance and I’ve got nothing to say, but girl stay here for a little while… baby if only you could see my shadow crossing your path”.

“William, Here I Come” plods steadily over strange screams and garage vocals before “Ocean Bed” which sounds more like a Pete Doherty track with his vocal delivery and bare use of instrumentals – Marshall speaks part of the lyrics as they echo behind him; “I’m drifting away”. “Neptune Estate” brings in a steady rhythm, which is a welcome change – really giving the track some shape.

“Out Getting Ribs” features lo-fi guitar recordings and static sounds that give it a DIY feel. Final track “Bathed in Grey” introduces the use of piano, lovely, subtle sounds that complement the steady drums and Marshall’s nonchalant delivery surprisingly well. In fact, a lot of the album seems to have varying influences. 6 Feet Beneath The Moon is a nod to indie, to grime, and to a lot that goes in between, and the creativity that King Krule brings to the table is fresh. That’s right, the London boy done good.

http://kingkrule.co.uk/

Reviewed by Heather Welsh.