To some, music can be a very complex art form. Assembling the parts of a sound to create your expression can be daunting to even begin to think about, let alone assembling a team of people to work together to make it happen. In their latest album, “Glad Days,” rock band Kingdom of Mustang makes all of that look effortless as the album delivers right from the first track.
“More Than They Deserve” hits the ground running with some powerful drums and catchy guitar riffs to immediately grab your attention. The raspy vocals of Mark Roebuck are powerful and gives the track a scrappy attitude. This is especially true when you hear lines such as “We wanted it so bad we couldn’t believe. That there was only so much that we’d ever achieve. Letting go is just such a drag,” which hit hard and are full of heart. “More Than They Deserve” couples that lyrical power with a groovy instrumental that only gets better on repeat listens, especially with the guitar solo around the 2:20 mark.
The title track starts with a smooth guitar riff that instantly gets you into the track. The bassline is bold and grooves right behind the guitar while the drums and tambourine percussion keeps it all grounded. Each instrument makes an impression, which is especially pronounced around the 1:30-mark when they all dance with Mark Roebuck’s smooth vocal performance. It marks a slight departure from the raspy aesthetic to embrace the powerful message of perseverance of the track that’s reflected in lines such as “We’re going out for a very good time. Anywhere that we want now, and if I end up out of my mind, it’s ok cause I’m certain there’ll be glad days coming soon.” With sonic layers that hide little musical surprises, “Glad Days” earns its place as the title track which may earn it a spot on your personal rock playlist.
“Not The Special Girl” brings a powerful sense of forward momentum to its upbeat grooves. The free-wheeling guitar riffs are wild while the catchy bassline jams alongside the drums that march the track forward. This one has punchy lyrics that have that personal feel, illustrated clearly in lines such as “I followed you so long and for so far but the spell is gone and I see you as you are.You’re damaged and you’re vain and you’re never going to change” hit hard and while the sting is there so is the heartache in the chorus. “Not The Special Girl” has a decidedly different attitude that makes it stand out from the rest of the tracks before it, taking less pride in the jabs it takes to let the emotions breathe.
As the album winds down, “The Wrong Plane Home” is a track that stands out. While it may not be an epic outro track, it wears its heart on its
sleeve like no other track. The guitar is smooth and catchy, with poppin’ riffs that give the whole track a sunny but busy feeling. The lyrics are where the heart lies in the track, however, and when Mark Roebuck hits lines such as ‘I land somewhere in Japan. Desperate, I tell them that I’ve just flown on the wrong plane home” followed by “You say that I’ve done it again, lies told and promises broken. Once more and you’re done for good” are packed full of palpable emotion that make you feel for his story as you listen that helps “The Wrong Plane Home” steal the show.
Kingdom of Mustang’s latest album is a delight. Each track feels unique and tells their own stories, making “Glad Days” a satisfying listen to get through. Tracks are punchy and full of lyrical attitude, though there are those such as “Not The Special Girl” and “The Best Thing” that lay the heart bare right alongside them. Packed full of addictive bass grooves, energetic beats and vocals that rise to the occasion, “Glad Days” is an album that deserves your time.
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