Recently, there’s been a spate of albums on the site from bands I’ve been reviewing and championing for almost as long as they’ve been going.
As far back as 2015 I reviewed them saying: “It’s called classic rock for a reason, isn’t it?” And you can fast forward to “Friends In Low Places” and think the same.
Almost. Except “Children of the Evolution” starts with a groove, but rumbles on its energy. And that title? Is it a little on the nose to say it’s Palace Of The King themselves? Not on the cutting edge of “new” and you know what? Why should they be? What’s wrong with playing the music that you love like you wanted?
Take “A Run For Your Money” for example, add a dollop of soul and a spoonful of piano and that’s the recipe for this.
At least it is, up to a point. The title track passes by in a blur. Racing about like it’s had three shredded wheat, and with Leigh Maden knocking out solos for all he’s worth. If POTK were ever gonna get a circle pit going it is here.
‘Get Right With Your Maker” (also the title of the album in 2018) is – and we might as well say it – the best song that The Black Crowes never wrote and no one would be upset at the comparison you can bet.
“Down On Your Luck” is another with the brothers Robinson running through it, and it’s tempting to imagine POTK as one of those mid-west US bands, were it not for the fact they are from Down Under. It’s quite a thing.
“Tell It Like It Is” and “I’m Sorry Blues” both underline what I’ve been saying about the band for almost a decade, so I’ll say it again: they are a simply sensational hard rock band.
“Tear It Down” is a beauty. There’s a touch of AC/DC here but all hard rock needs a bit of them, Lizzy or Motorhead as I’ve said before.
And there’s something we haven’t really spoken about in amongst all this, and it’s their ability to write a hook. Big, swaggering bastards too. Witness “One Of These Days” as proof.
The last one, “Dead End Blues” dials up the blues (appropriately) but also adds a harmonica from Leigh Maden and some organ courtesy of Seany Johnston that would make Jon Lord blush. It’s a hell of a thing and I don’t know what Tim Henwood does for a job, but he was born to sing rock n roll.
Palace Of The King are one of those bands. Actually, the reason why you did this site in the first place, all those years ago. A great band that maybe doesn’t get the credit they deserve, and you want to shout about it. If they want “Freinds In Low Places” they’ve got one right here.
They really could be your favourite new discovery, if you are in the market.
Rating 9/10
REVIEW: PALACE OF THE KING – FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES (2023)
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