Three Kings High; Tell Em Lies

Steve Boniface

There’s something about Bristol based Three Kings High that marks them out from the usual indie-rock mix that’s about at the moment.

Their music comes replete with the usual jangly guitars and rock rhythms, but the bass-lines, grooves and vocal delivery add different layers that make this a slightly different proposition.

Three of the four songs on offer here are built around ascending or descending funk basslines, which turn the rock drum rhythms into more of a funk/soul groove. Meanwhile, the vocals are tuneful but the lyrics sometimes delivered at a pace more akin to hip hop and rap. It’s a mash up of genres that, on the face of it, could either be great or a mess, and thankfully this EP is of the former.

It’s also nice to hear a release from an indie band who aren’t afraid to keep the energy levels and pace up. Many would feel the need to slow things down a touch at some point, show that they can ‘do’ acoustic and mellow, but the strength of Three Kings High lives in their grooves and upbeat tracks. It makes for a fun listen, and ensures it could well be something of a summer favourite, with not a slice of melancholy to be found.

Let’s just hope the weather matches it this year.