King's X: Manic Moonlight : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

This power trio has resolutely followed its own unique path for nearly twenty years, consistently concocting air-tight, inventive music that falls into an odd-shaped territory bounded by Primus, Prince and Judas Priest. Its ninth album is no exception, rife as it is with ballads that are tender -- but never mushy -- and upbeat selections that are relentlessly dynamic. "Static" evolves out of a repeated ostinato (a la Ravel's "Bolero") and a cryptic, mantra-like lyric, and "Vegetable" simmers with all the spare, funky verve of vintage Sly Stone. Singer/bassist Doug Pinnick could give Rush frontman Geddy Lee a run for his money when it comes to low-end fretwork, and he certainly packs more soulful vocals. Drummer Jerry Gaskill nails the grooves in place with precise timing and Ty Tabor unleashes squalls of sizzling, slithery guitar work. Layers of percussion and effects add zest to the mix (courtesy of Tabor, who produced this effort) but ultimately it's the musical muscle behind it that makes Moonlight glow.

SANDY MASUO
(September 24, 2001)