HEAVY LIES THE CROWN Reviews
From Buffalo, New York, deep in Springsteen country (yes, I know Bruce was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, but the whole of New York/New Jersey seems to be formed from his lyrics and observations) come pop rockers The Common Kings. Armed with catchy riffs and sing along choruses, these gents have crafted an album that is clearly a real labor of love, and one of which they can be justifiably proud. Singer Christian Kosmoski has an emotive voice that draws the listener in, as Justin Tartick and P.A. Bologna’s guitars create evocative moods beneath and drummer Dewey Hastrich locks the band into a groove. This is radio friendly rock, the sort that seems tailored to fit as many markets as possible, but somehow these guys manage to still be very enjoyable. This then, is a fine debut effort that hopefully will lead onto bigger and better things for these Kings.
Matt Merritt | www.subba-cultcha.com
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Buffalo's The Common Kings stormed into the indie-rock scene in the summer of 2006 and instantly became local favorites. The 2007 release of their first EP Possibilities, had the band sharing the stage with the likes of As Tall As Lions, The Honorary Title and The Spill Canvas. Now, a year later The Common Kings have released their heavily anticipated sophomore follow-up, Heavy Lies The Crown.
With Heavy... you'll first notice the sing-along anthems, that dabbles between pop-rock and modern melodic rock. Polished and hook driven, the sound is reminiscent of early Jimmy Eat World. The band has certainly moved into a more structured form of their simplistic and comfort zones of composition. The Common Kings graciously craft sleek pop-rock songs and artsy acoustic ballads that will please the ears of any listener.
Perhaps most notably about the entire album is the band's musicianship and maturity. Also commendable is the band's ability to create a song that varies enough in sound and structure to sound distinctive. The composition is flawless, as the band has no trouble with the build up and breakdown which can be heard on "On The Surface" while the stand out "Check Your Pulse," is a vastly guitar driven song that will without question, be a fan favorite as it is the track with the most angst-driven chorus with the promise of getting the most reaction. This record proves that a band can expand whilst staying within the bounds of their comfort.
The Common Kings have certainly shown they are able to create something magical while actually trying to put the soul back in the music scene with their creative pop-rock music that is upbeat and fun for all types of music fans. The hook loaded sophomore CD from this young talented band is infectious, as all indications show these guys have a bright future ahead of them.
Kristie Taft | www.trashthestage.net
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Kings shine on ‘Crown’ CD The Common Kings are bound to be Buffalo’s next big thing given their latest release “Heavy Lies the Crown.” The band’s debut EP “Possibilities,” was filled with great alternative songs, but “Heavy Lies the Crown” brings an array of songs with explosively catchy pop-rock as well as mellow acoustic indie.
Written over the course of a year, the band’s newest release shows more mature songwriting and overwhelming emotion. The entire band, which includes singer Christian Kosmoski, guitarists Justin Tartick and P. A. Bologna, and drummer Dewey Hastrich, along with studio/live pianist Randy Spence, perfectly execute every beat, riff and lyric throughout.
“Heavy Lies the Crown” includes amazing energetic songs with great sing-a-long potential and even some catchy radio-friendly choruses (“Better Than This” and “Sure Thing, Miss Something”). “On The Surface” is a great building song that hits with an explosive chorus and quirky verses defined by the great balance of vocals between Kosmoski and Bologna. The album’s bonus track, “Check Your Pulse” may be the best song on the release with its fun unconventional riffs and dance beat.
The Kings also bring mellow emotive tracks with acoustic sections. “Ends Meet,” and the completely acoustic “Noon to Two” showcase the beautiful lyrics and vocal performance of Kosmoski and the skillful musicianship of Hastrich, Tartick and Bologna.
No matter the song’s intensity, it is easy to hear that Kosmoski is giving everything to his vocals; the energy and emotion can be felt through the speakers. With this release, the Common Kings show that they know when to pull back or when to go all out. Kosmoski may be on to something when, in “Knees to Elbows,” he sings “We’re gonna change the world, that’s all.”
Rebecca Kujawa | NEXT | Buffalo News
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As much as modern rock seems like a catch-all-genre, The Common Kings have it down beautifully with brawny lifts relatable to Three Days Grace and melodic rock prints comparable to Daughtry. The Common Kings latest release Heavy Lies The Crown has track after track of radiant guitar streaks played by Justin Tartick and P.A. Bologna with complementing keyboard fluctuations performed by Randy Spence as the band’s bassist Kevin Hoffman and drummer Dewey Hastrich tailor the rhythmic knolls to move in sync with lead singer/guitarist Christian Kosmoski whose voice is the inspiration that sets these songs airborne. Many singers have good voices, but Kosmoski’s vocal cleats dig in deep and really give the songs an extra push that accentuates their captivating value. His singing has such effortless strokes that anyone may feel they are accessible, but few people can reach the level of depth that Kosmoski’s voice exhumes. The Common Kings have made their songs inviting for anyone to sing along with them, but no matter how good a singer you are, Kosmoski’s voice has a way of standing tall from the others.
The Common Kings enable modern rock to stand tall and proud with rich guitar flurries designed to build and die down, and then build back up again like in “On The Surface.” The formations of troughs and peaks along the track are beautifully transitioned as Kosmoski releases, “I do not want to feel that worthless.” The songs are braced in synchronized trembles and intertwining harmonies that show solidarity like the bright radiance in the guitar riffs of “Knees to Elbows,” which shoot out like streaming missiles blaring out on cue through the chorus parts as the slow trembles along the verses give Kosmoski’s vocals the opportunity to light the fuses that set off the chorus sections. His vocals slide easily and soar massively belting out, “All at once the right lyrics hit me … And the music hits me and it sounds like a symphony / The crowd and I are in perfect harmony” along the bridge of “The Moment.” The guitar spins are muscular without being overwhelming in “Sure Thing, Miss Something” as Kosmoski’s vocals display a strong grip on the melodic bars as he swings and slides from liberating impulses.
These songs allow The Common Kings to release something inside themselves that nothing else in life may give them the chance to do, or at least that is how they play their songs. The band’s romantic side peaks through in the catchy ditty “Better than this” when Kosmoski beams, “My love, is there something you want me to do.” The heart-beating rate of the rhythm is entangled in emotive guitar riffs that cause the melody to blossom more fully as it progresses. The dimly lit acoustics starting off “Ends Meet” are gradually integrated into rock guitars and vigorous chord movements that light up the track with attractive dynamics. The rock ballad “Noon or Two” has lovingly vocal inflections, while “Check your Pulse” emote a drag-racer’s roar in the guitars and a southern rock potency in its melodic intonations.
Being a native son of Buffalo, New York, The Common Kings suffuse a need for modern striped rock. Their cauldron of whipping flames and complementing dynamics display an inviting brew. The music is unpretentious and the instrument parts are integrated skillfully. If modern rock is allowed a new day, The Common Kings should be one of the first coming up with the Sun’s early morning light. The Common Kings are a nice way to hail in a new day and fortify you for what may come into your life. Breakfast cereals may nourish the body, but The Common Kings give fuel to the spirit.
Susan Frances | Absolutepunk.net
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KINGS' PRESS
The Kings’ albums are strong, but they in no way compare to their live show. The tight drumming of Dewey Hastrich and intricate guitar work of Justin Tartick and P. A. Bologna, are at a completely different level on songs like “Check Your Pulse” and “On the Surface” in the live show. In addition, vocalist Christian Kosmoski, who at times sounds monotone on recordings, truly has a phenomenally powerful voice. With songs as explosive as “Knees to Elbows,” and as gentle as “Noon to Two,” these local boys have certainly solidified themselves as an extraordinary and captivating live band.
Rebecca Kujawa | NEXT | Buffalo News
