Truth:
Alabama rockers in Bottle Up and Explode have released their album, “Kingsley,” on iTunes.
Sarah:
Listening to “Kingsley” through my headphones, I felt I was doing it wrong. The retro rock sound desired to be played on something more obscure. Like a boombox. Their ability to commit to the indie-Mumford-and-Sons-style and capture the essence of a true 1960s-esque rock and roll vibe without the help of a major record label is commendable.
“Summer in the South” sounds just like the title (I think; I’ve never been to the South). It has the loose sound of summer and contains the funky strings of a fun beach party. The second track, “Lucy,” goes a bit deeper than the drinking in “Summer in the South.” “Lucy” has a mature perspective on life…and death. While a light-hearted song, the subject matter has meaning hidden within:
And all our friends are dying, you know
And I can’t say goodbye as fast as they go
And I can’t help but think someday Death will take us, too
Someday, Death will take us, too
“Axiomatic” was previously-released as a single to rave reviews. The vocals in this track are beautifully carried and held, especially throughout the chorus. The band cleverly released the most fun and quirkiest track on the album, plus made an adorably quirky music video for it:
“Breakfast” shows off their dark side, with haunting chords and ominous drumming. The vocals are hollow and the lyrics are sad. Yet, it still sounds like the other tracks in the way that the instrumentals have the retro vibe to it.
The EP ends with “We Just Want to Party,” which is exactly what you want to hear. The song sounds like it was ripped right out of a 60s vinyl, so kudos to the band.
The Southern gentlemen put together a genius marriage of retro rock and unique style to create an EP that deserved to be a full-length album.
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