Keys To The Kingdom
Southern Shift, 2022
8/10
The singer-songwriter and guitarist Kenneth Brian is back with his finest work to date, where his timeless brand of Americana, southern sounds and alt-country flows with raw guitar work, sturdy vocals and plenty of soulfulness.
The title track opens with plenty of grit and melody entering the thick southern rocker that’s capable of being a bit bare but also quite powerful, and “Falling Again” continues with soaring guitar amid the thumping drums and emotive, nearly cathartic singing.
“Crazy” occupies the middle spot and brings poetic balladry to the sparse climate, while “She Is The Night” offers a warm and upbeat display of bluesy, rootsy sensibilities that you can’t help but sing along to.
Nearing the end, the slow burning ruggedness of “California” recruits country influences in Brian’s genuine vision, and “Rimrock” exits the listen with both tension and tunefulness entering the album highlight.
Brian penned these tunes while living in Southern California the last 5 years, and they certainly showcase the wealth of talent he’s been armed with since his first album in 2002. Joined by a robust rhythm section, you won’t have a hard time enjoying these 10 well thought out tracks.
Travels well with: Brock Davis- A Song Waiting To Be Sung; Micki Free- Turquoise Blue