A King On Every Corner is the fifth album of the Dutch progressive rock band My Own Army and I must confess that I never heard their previous albums, so... This Rotterdam based band, consisting of Herman De Kok (vocals, guitars), Vincent Hekkert (guitars), Ferry Westdijk (bass guitar) and Sven Spierings (drums), is obviously influenced by notorious bands like Tool, Alice In Chains, A Perfect Circle, Oceansize, Porcupine Tree and even Steven Wilson. Especially the eighth track on this album called Mary's Song really has some Wilson characteristics. Most of the songs on this album are rather short as there are only two tracks that clock over the five minutes mark, being Wooden Sheets and A Hero's Welcome. Singer Herman De Kok, with his high expressive throat, really shines on this album and the impressive vocals on this album take the songs definitely onto a higher musical level. Opening song A Beautiful Secret sets the tone for this extraordinary album, featuring a hooky guitar riff, a dark and pulsating bass riff, and those formidable vocals of De Kok. Next up is the single of this album called Orange Robes and this track is packed with grunge-like guitar melodies and riffs, making it sound very dark and obscure. Lucky Ones, one of my favourite songs here, is a real atmospheric track and it also contains a fabulous guitar solo indeed. Warpaint is another dark, mysterious song, while Hospital Lies really reminds me of Pearl Jam. I really think that My Own Army has made an impressive alternative rock album that actually sounds on-Dutch and that is a compliment indeed. Play this album as loud as you can, and you will be blown away by the musical force of My Own Army; highly recommend indeed!!! Listening tip: Lucky Ones. **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
