King Midas - Romeo Turn (Ellet Records)
They describe themselves as "white funk with a psychadelic twist" and I guess that's fairly accurate. I'm just glad I didn't read that before I put this on because I think it would've tainted my opinion a bit more for the worse. I can't help it - I see the word funk and I immediately get surly. Anyhow, this record isn't that bad, but I think it just really isn't my thing. For one, I can't get past the vocals and I think that might be the make-or-break point of the band. The guy sounds a bit like Mick Jones of The Clash, but he's also got a Bob Dylan-esque quality in the way he holds long notes and enunciates his words. Again, just not my thing. On the other hand, the recording and mix is absolutely fantastic - everything is super crisp and clean and there's just the right amount of separation between the instruments. There's also a bold use of space that you just don't hear too often. I really like how they de-emphasize the guitar parts and let more interesting instuments take the lead roles and are unafraid to make them really loud and up close. I can't explain it, but it just works. I'd probably like this band a lot more if they were more pop/verse-chorus oriented.