English psych/prog/alternative rock outfit KingBathmat (ha-ha) has certainly been prolific during the last ten years. A trio consisting of John Bassett (bass,vocals), Lee Sulsh (guitar), and Bernie Smirnoff (drums), the group has independently released five LPs to date, with the most recent album being 2009’s Gravity Field. Recently, they cut their 2nd single for 2012, “The End of Evolution,” and boy is it a complex and diverse rocker!
Of its sound, KingBathmat describes itself as “…a sonic expedition, a giddy aural excursion, visiting genres as diverse and contrary as the complex arrangements that inhabit ‘progressive rock’ interlaced with the cutting vocal melodies of ‘classic pop’ that then tear abruptly into an uncompromising sledgehammer heavy metal riff.” Their influences include Porcupine Tree, ELO, Muse, Black Sabbath, Super Furry Animals, Brian Wilson, and of course, The Beatles. All in all, as “The End of Evolution” proves, the group succeeds at both intricate arrangements and catchy melodies.
The track, which can be heard on their official site, begins as carnival-esque, psychedelic soundscape. Keyboard loops provide the backdrop for Bassett’s prophetic harmonies. Eventually, guitars and drums help the music explode into prog territory. The mixture of hard rock riffs and swirling, affective timbres bares comparison to fellow retro prog masters, Bigelf. While the majority of “The End of Evolution” is a tightly played jam, it never looses its appeal. Bassett returns at the end to reprise his vocals, giving the piece a sense of closure.
“The End of Evolution” is a short but sweet taste of what KingBathmat is all about, and if you’re a fan of the genres, you’ll likely dig what the group has to offer. If this track is any indication, their sixth album (whenever it comes) will be quite intriguing.
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