ALBUM REVIEW: KINGSWOOD - Juveniles

Melbourne rock outfit Kingswood are back and better than ever, ready to save rock and roll with their powerhouse new album, Juveniles. Despite the title, this album showcases the refined songwriting skills of Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska and their growth in musicianship from their two previous albums.

Kingswood gave a taste of Juveniles in 2019 with the release of singles Say You Remember and You Make It So Easy as well as Bittersweet earlier this year. Featuring the classic combination of vocals from Linacre and Laska, earth shaking drums from Josh Koops, and thundering bass from Braiden Michetti, Kingswood have delivered a well-rounded and hard hitting album that will undoubtedly make for some of their best live performances yet. 

The album kicks off hard and fast with You Make It So Easy. This opener features punchy guitar riffs and a bass section that could rattle your insides. The music video pairs perfectly with the chaotic yet calm vibes of the songs, which is set along a stunning coastal cliff scene then cut with scenes of making and setting off DIY fireworks. Breaking down into a chorus you cannot help but head-bang along too; this absolute tune sets the pace for what’s yet to come. The second track is Bittersweet, featuring fuzzy guitar with Queens Of the Stone Age vibes. Bittersweet really captures the energy and mindset the band threw into the journey of creating Juveniles. Next up is Ready Steady, a super groovy track with a face melting guitar solo. It’ll be hard to resist singing along and chanting ‘ready steady’ in a sweaty band room.

Hold up, did I just accidentally put on The Monkees? Nope! It’s Say You Remember. Kicking off with an edgy guitar riff and vocals, the song builds and builds until bursting into a lively chorus that’ll get you jumping. The boys take the punch down a notch with If Only, though the infectious toe tapping beat is more than prominent. With softer vocals and a melodic chorus, If Only brings a sounds reminiscent of sophomore album After Hours, Close To Dawn.

Snake Pit starts out dark and brooding with a rugged guitar riff before lightening up in the chorus with some group singing and brighter chords. The song drifts off with some funky guitar noodling. Cigarettes In Bed marks the halfway point of the album. This track oozes surf-rock vibes with a hint of Gang Of Youths, and brings a vibrant contrast to the more grungey tracks on the album. This song also marks a turning point in the album, as the songs become more melodic and light hearted, but with enough kick to keep them on a consistent level with the rest of the album. Cross My Heart is one of those tracks that worms its way into your head and refuses to come out. Laska’s smooth vocals mix in magically with the crunchy guitar and would get any crowd off their feet and onto the dance floor. Marilyn is slow and sexy, and really showcases the emotional depth of Linacre’s vocals. This track is very guitar and keys driven, perfect for slow dancing and slow loving. Paying homage to Nashville, home of country music and where the boys completed the album, One More Dance gets ya heels kicking with twangy guitar and some sweet, sweet tambourine. Similar vibes and the beloved tambourine continues on into Candy Blue, but this time with a bluesy acoustic guitar. The album comes to a close with fun and bouncy track Young, Charming & Funny. With a super catchy drum and guitar combo and some cheeky lyrics, this track is a satisfying summation of Juveniles. 

Juveniles has brought everything and more that fans have grown to know and love from Kingswood. From seductive tambourine flavours and impressive, sultry vocals and gritty guitar-driven tunes, Kingswood have brought the best of their first two albums and cranked it up to eleven with Juveniles.

Catch Kingswood on their upcoming Australian Tour!
Tickets via www.livenation.com.au

Thursday, March 12th Barwon Club Geelong
Friday, March 13th The Corner Hotel Melbourne SELLING FAST 
Saturday, March 14th Volta Ballarat
Wednesday, March 18th Kambri ANU Canberra
Thursday, March 19th UOW Unibar Wollongong
Friday, March 20th Oxford Art Factory Sydney
Saturday, March 21st Cambridge Hotel Newcastle
Thursday, March 26th The Gov Adelaide
Friday, March 27th The Rosemount Perth
Saturday, March 28th Prince of Wales Bunbury
Sunday, March 29th Freo Social Fremantle
Thursday, April 2nd The Triffid Brisbane
Thursday, April 9th Republic Bar Hobart
Saturday, April 11th Saloon Launceston
Sunday, April 12th Forth Pub Devonport
Thursday, April 16th The Northern Byron Bay
Friday, April 17th Miami Marketta Gold Coast
Saturday, May 30th Big Pineapple Music Festival Sunshine Coast 
Thursday, June 25th The Jack Cairns
Friday, June 26th Otherwise Bar Townsville
Saturday, June 27th CBD McGuires Hotel Mackay

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