Her Favourite Disguise. The Melancholy Kings

The Melancholy Kings is a totally justified name for the band. From the ten songs on Her Favourite Disguise the strong liking of music from quite long ago just oozes. Liking music from long ago is one thing, creating a career in the 2020s around is another. Those who follow this blog know that for many bands it is a necessity to write and play songs based on what came before and play it today. Most members of these bands have tried in the past, never made it big and return to the front now that life (and finances) allow them to do so.

What strikes me often, is the quality with which this love is paired. A lot of these bands are good. Sometimes even better than the originals ever could play. There's one difference. The impact on me cannot be the same. I do not have fresh ears, only older ears recognising the influences. That does not go to say that the new albums are not good. Far from that and at that quite regularly as well. Just don't expect me to hear a new 'Pictures Of Lily', 'Waterloo Sunset' or Lazy Sunday'.

The Melancholy Kings from New Jersey are Mike Potenza (vocals/guitar), Scott Selig (bass), Paul Andrew (drums) and Peter Horvath (guitar). Together they rock within the blend of early 90s bands like Gin Blossoms joined by 60s influences from the likes of The Who and The Kinks. You can hear that Potenza has studied Roger Daltrey's phrasing right in the opening track, 'Six Feet Down'. The use of the organ bring the 60s even more directly into the whole. What 'Six Feet Under' shares with the listener is a undisguised surge of energy. The Melancholy Kings wants to grab your attention and in my case succeeded.

Photo: Carlo Cipriani

Next song is 'Victoria', which I reviewed in week 47 last year. The song grabbed my ear, just like the opening song did now. This is also the point where I leave you with Her Favourite Disguise, because nothing I can write will stress what I've already pointed out to you. Right up to the end the band shares the fun of playing its songs, even when the tempo goes down. If you like your music from close to 60 years ago, you are bound to like Her Favourite Disguise.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

You can listen to and order Her Favourite Disguise here:

https://melancholykings.bandcamp.com/album/her-favorite-disguise