Also Playing
Kings X
((Henry Fonda Theater; 863 capacity; $ 18 top))
Band: Doug Pinnick, Ty Tabor, Jerry Gaskill.
The band's larger-than-life wall of sound is impressive for a three-piece and is one of the reasons the band is often compared to labelmates Rush.
Their two-hour set sampled all four of their Atlantic-issued albums, though their most recently issued, self-titled collection was a slightly larger part of the show than the band's earliest releases.
Newer songs that were effective included the almost-hit "Black Flag," the majestic "World Around Me" and new single "Prisoner." The latter featured a guitar nod to Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson who appears to be a big influence on Ty Tabor's style.
It was catalog titles that worked the best here. The '70s-styled "Summerland, " the dreamy "It's Love" and the very hooky "Over My Head" were all highlights.
What sets Kings X apart from many of their contemporaries -- soaring, effecting back-up and harmonizing vocals -- were delivered with a power and a passion that saved some songs from dying an ugly, bombast-induced death.
That fate was reserved for DGC act Galactic Cowboys, who answered their own question in the song "Why Can't You Believe In Me." Noise for the sake of noise seemed to be the credo of this foursome who are posed and poised to become the new Bon Jovi of heavy metal.
Variety is striving to present the most thorough review database. To report inaccuracies in review credits, please click here. We do not currently list below-the-line credits, although we hope to include them in the future. Please note we may not respond to every suggestion. Your assistance is appreciated.
