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Crowned King

Break The Silence (2003)
EMI Group

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: fatbrendan
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 9th 2004

The first thing you'll notice about this album is the departure from anything ska. Crowned King have turned 180 degrees from their signature ska style fans grew to love on Tempting Fate, their 2000 independent release. Oh, they still have horns, but they've put them to, arguably, better use. This new and improved Crowned King are what rock has been missing. However, this album also shows their departure from the style that is decidedly indie. This is a major label release, and even though these boys are huge supporters of their Vancouver scene, the major label-ness of this album is very evident. Don't get me wrong, even though they sing the ballads and the straight up pop rock songs that sell the records, at least they do it with passion. I have the pleasure to say that I've met these guys a few times and hung out with them at their merch booths at shows in my area, and they really do care about the music. It took them a long time to ink this record deal, and almost even longer to record this album. Let's get to the music.

Playing God is a really good rock tune that shows you a lot of what to expect in the album (usually this is the goal from the first song of an album). The horns are loud, and they personify themselves well. All That She Wanted has a driving bass beat, with a catchy chorus. Turn It Up We're Going Down tries to be anthemic in parts and is possibly the most similar song to anything from the previous album. However it would almost sound better without the horns in the chorus, but are a welcome addition in the bridge when Ryan (guitar) turns it up a notch. The ending is somewhat over produced. One In A Million is Crowned King's ballad and is obviously very sentimental. The horns definitely add a softer side to the song. The first single off this album, Don't Wanna Go, is a solid rock tune. The drums drive ahead and the horns are background instruments for most of the song. This will get your rump shaking, make no mistake. A Song About Death has heavy guitars, and an overproduced sound. The second single is Impatience, and rightly so, since it deals with a relationship; something to which the teens that will end up buying this record will all be able to relate. The horns are simple, and add that extra kick that no one else out there is trying. True Love is too much of a try hard to be radio friendly. The vocal harmonies are predictable and this album could have done without this song.

The saving grace to the last song is the powerful intro to Yours Truly, and parts of the song have a distinct Less Than Jake feel to it. Sure parts are overproduced like most of the album, but the average listener won't even notice. Another filler on this album is Unload. Although it has a catchy chorus, the ending is cheezy and the lyrics are uninspired. And speaking of cheezy, Tired Eyes follows and in a vain attempt, Shaun strains his voice near the end where he would have been better off letting the instruments do their job. Now, where Turn It Up We're Going Down failed at being anthemic, Reason To Believe succeeds...or at least somewhat. A type of song that's been done over and over again, but there is a need for this type of song. I think it was done well. And the piano outro is actually very welcome.

One thing a lot of listeners might notice is how much Shaun's voice has matured. He's no longer just the younger brother with the voice. He's the main act. He seems to have grasped the ability to go from raspy to soft, to harsh etc. This gives this album a more diverse quality. You may also find that the songs themselves are quite diverse, and not many (apart from the fillers) sound akin to any of the others. Crowned King have attempted to do something no one has done, but come off sounding like they are middle of the pack in a genre where they are the front runners. Given time and more experience with this new found sound, they might just pull it off one day and surprise the hell out of everyone.

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Anonymous (November 4, 2004)

This album might have been a little over produced, but they are SO FUCKING GOOD LIVE. You cannot ignore that they try to reach out to the fans and relate to them. At every show Ive seen them at they interact with everyone. And you CANNOT ignore that they have great talent and should get more credit than they are.

Anonymous (August 8, 2004)

i agree crowned king is fucking amazing!!!
they are probably one of the most talented new bands out there and they are so involved with their fans you fuckers woudn't even know. So i would advise all you guys who just post gay stuff like that to find out all the facts before posting dumb ass comments like that!!

Anonymous (August 8, 2004)

CROWNED KING FUCKING RULES.. all you fucking losers who come here to diss them.. just back fucking off!!! They are better than you guys wil ever be.. THEY ARE THE FUCKING NICEST PEOPLE YOULL EVER MEET.. they are not pricks and they do not look down on younger bands.. you obviously have never met them.. or taken the time to talk to them... i have two words for you fucking losers...

FUCK OFF

Anonymous (August 8, 2004)

CROWNED KING FUCKING RULES.. all you fucking losers who come here to diss them.. just back fucking off!!! They are better than you guys wil ever be.. THEY ARE THE FUCKING NICEST PEOPLE YOULL EVER MEET.. they are not pricks and they do not look down on younger bands.. you onviously have never met them.. or taken the time to talk to them... i have two words for you fucking losers...

FUCK OFF

Anonymous (April 15, 2004)

Assez mauvais comme album, manque d'inspiration et utilisation de ''brass''inadéquate.

voilà

Anonymous (April 15, 2004)

agreed. I last saw them in a Bluenotes ad (clothing store that sells Dickies, pink/black x 300, stud cuffs, and Tshirts that say SOUND REBEL, but also graphic Tshirts saying things like Pink Lemonade Flamingo Lounge or Mr. Fish Nets Emporium)
best punk pose?
what a great fit

inagreendase (April 12, 2004)

Less than mediocre rock with pointless/underproduced horns.

Anonymous (April 12, 2004)

I saw these guys open for fishbone a few years back. I was really really ready to throw a bottle at the singer. After every fucking song "EDMONTON!"...

Shut up. I know where I'm from. You don't have to remind me every fucking song. Hurry up and finish so DOA can play.

And then there was the music. Yipes. Just yipes.

Fuck this band. They were shitty as a reel big fish clone, they're shitty as whatever the fuck they've decided to now, and they'll be shitty as whatever they decide to do next, after their current style goes out of fashion.

Anonymous (April 11, 2004)

This band has always sucked, and now suck even more. Pasionate about music, uh huh. Absolutely not.

...evildeadalive

inanechild (April 10, 2004)

I'm a fan of Crowned King. It's good to see them maturing, but the production on this album blows.

Anonymous (April 9, 2004)

If theyre music was good i'd say the singer is probably right but how can a a guy in a band like this really think hes cool?

Anonymous (April 9, 2004)

ive met these guys and played with them a few times. this reviewer is either a friend or someone who wants to think he's cool with the band .they are complete prick and show no respect for any of the younger bands that are learning from them. they might be passionate about their own music, but don't call them supporters of the scene. the lead singer in particular looks down upon many of those he talks to and interacts with. i've seen it first hand.

aubin (April 9, 2004)

I saw the video for "Don't Wanna Go" on Muchmusic and it was pretty catchy. There is definitely a strong resemblence to Less Than Jake in that song, but it's more of an "inspired by" then a "ripped off" feel. Haven't heard the album though. It's surprisingly hard to find in Toronto for a major label record.

Anonymous (April 9, 2004)

That cover looks good to all mah homies!

hungryjoe (April 9, 2004)

I remember seeing an ad for this band as an outdoor wall mural on my way to work in Vancouver on Davie St.