Brooklyn’s alternative music scene never ceases to provide those hidden gems. Today bears witness to yet another lyrical odyssey as King-Mob unveils their second EP, aptly named “Stutter Pulse.” If music had the ability to intertwine time, place, and emotion, this EP might just be its conduit.
King-Mob’s journey has been rather unique. Their first EP came to life before they had even adorned the stage as “King–Mob”. It was an experiment, an exploration into what they could become. Now, two years down the line, having graced myriad venues from clubs to basements across the East Coast, they’ve etched their musical journey onto this album.
The meticulous ears of Jeremy Backofen deserve a nod, having been the recording and mixing engineer steering this ship. His touch has given King-Mob the resonance they were looking for.
“Our first EP was recorded before the band had ever played a show as “King-Mob” so this one feels like more of a document of a live band. We’ve been playing various iterations of these songs at shows in basements, clubs, galleries and various other locations all over the East Coast of the US for the last two years, so it’s satisfying to have a final record of them. Special shout out to our recording and mixing engineer, Jeremy Backofen!” – says the band.
King-Mob is a communion of two intricate minds – Irish guitarist/vocalist Aodhan O’Reilly and drummer Gabe Katz. Their initial rendezvous in 2014 with the NYC noise/surf band Black River Manifesto might have ended in 2016, but it gave birth to King-Mob.
The duo have melded an array of musical influences. O’Reilly’s fascination with surf and blues meets the percussion prowess of Katz, creating a sound that is reminiscent of Mark Lanegan and Oliver Ackerman. It’s an intricate dance between blues, reminiscent of Junior Kimbrough, and the might of early Swans. The nostalgic vibes of Link Wray meet the cinematic surrealism of The Birthday Party, promising an experience that fans across spectrums, from The Gun Club to Death Grips, would cherish.
The band sat down with us to give you the full track by track commentary for each and every gem from the new EP. Check it out below.
1.Stutter Pulse
This tune started life as a kick drum loop and harmonized tremolo guitar parts, then just evolved into this mini-prog/ noise tune. Literally makes speakers rattle when played at appropriate volumes. Surf and electronic music can be surprisingly comfortable companion elements.
2. Saracen
“Saracen” as a term has a complicated historical origin and usage, but in the North of Ireland it was what we used to call the British army military vehicles that would patrol the streets, targeting and being targeted. The melody and guitar parts for this song was initially an acoustic blues tune. Is a fun tune to play live.
3. El Palacio Negro
“El Palacio Negro” was the name given to a large former prison on the outskirts of Mexico City. A friend who grew up near the site told me some pretty haunting ghost stories associated with the building and prison regime. The music in this instrumental tune has elements of all the other tracks on the EP and is a kind of remix of the whole record
4. Confetti Stars
Underpinned by a drone of 5 or 6 different guitars feeding back through delay pedals, this song changes each night we play it, but aways ends the set. Gabe’s drumming really drives this whole track and lets it simmer.
