LEECH

Description

King Child "A colorful musical journey where the unexpected rears its head." That's how Rolling Stone magazine described *Meredith*, the first album by the Franco-Belgian band King Child. That was in 2017. Two years later, with *Leech*, the successor to *Meredith*, announced for February 8th, it's still about majestic trips and the unexpected. But King Child's approach has become more refined. The sound has been stripped down to only what's essential. And the lyrical power has asserted itself almost naturally. As nuanced observers of the world around them, Jean Prat and Quentin Hoogaert unfiltered transcribe their vision of a society that's not running smoothly. Without moralizing, they use metaphors, nuances, and poetry to convey a message where hope still claims its place. Released as a precursor to *Leech*, the new single "One Last Ride" speaks volumes more than a long speech, showcasing the journey King Child has made. Vocal harmonies, meticulous arrangements, a chiaroscuro melody reflecting our society... Everything is perfectly in place. In the always delicate game of comparisons, we could cite many names to define King Child's universe. But rather than offering often cumbersome references, simply lend an ear to form your own opinion. With King Child, the organic coexists with the electronic. The enthusiastic quest for pop melody intertwines with the desire for epic flights of fancy. There's piano, synth pads, drums, little electric guitar, cinematic atmospheres, a refined aesthetic, and sounds that testify to an attentive listening of 70s rock classics, while others highlight a desire to explore uncharted territories. "We feed off each other," Jean and Quentin respond when asked to reveal the secrets behind their songwriting. As a multi-instrumentalist who approaches things without blinkers, Jean Prat creates the melodic framework upon which Quentin Hoogaert layers his voice and generational lyrics. The rest is a matter of alchemy and balance. Adding, removing, moving forward, going back, bouncing back... "On our first album *Meredith*, the compositions were quite complex. Our new songs are more direct. Also darker and more contrasted. We are spectators of a world heading straight for disaster. While our songs still speak of love, they also reflect our questioning about technology, the continuous flow of information, and environmental issues." Far from typical formats, King Child travels musically through eras while asserting itself as a band perfectly in tune with the present.