Pittsburg,KS-based three-piece Free Kings is an alt rock group mixing heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, gritty basslines, and dreamy harmonies to create music that’ll have you “banging your head and crying in the pit at the same time”. The band has just released its debut EP, entitled Youth – a collection of songs written over the past five years.
“Each song on this EP was inspired by a moment from our adolescence,” says the band. “We hope it speaks to anyone who feels nostalgia for their youth, the kind that brings you both happiness and sadness.”
The EP kicks off with “Youth,” which begins with a pared-down sound, featuring vocals and a fantastic guitar riff, before the rest jump in and the indie rock elements all come together seamlessly. The lead vocals are a stand-out here, and the group backups add such a raw element. From there, we get a fuzzy post-hardcore vibe on “In My Head” that blends beautifully with the vocal melodies. Free Kings have managed to perfectly tap into an early-2000s style without getting too lost in the past.
This is my first time hearing Free Kings, and I’ve instantly become a fan. The band mixes post-hardcore, shoegaze, and punk influences all under the alt rock umbrella, creating a sense of nostalgia to the sound, which ties into the idea of the EP being inspired by the band’s younger years. This one is for the alt music fans looking for a taste of the past, and the ones looking for something new to love.
Stream the youth EP by Free Kings on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Apple Music
Follow Free Kings on Instagram
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