Once and Future Kings

... Once & Future Kings are more ballroom waltz than dirty dancing—their graceful pop carriage moves in a choreographed sashay whose moody, atmospheric pulse evokes Radiohead's dramatic air. On last month's debut EP Emergent Sea, guitarist Jess Edison keenly channels Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne—his willowy vocals mingling with the band's lilting, distorted psych-pop shimmer. Justin Henderson's keyboards offer ballast to the swelling arrangements, carrying the melodic figure while Edison's guitar dips and banks above. Nice harmonies offer icing to the quartet's richly elegant prog-pop confections. ... —CHRIS PARKER

["..." denotes sections pertaining to another band and irrelevant show information] - Nashville Scene

Nashville band "Once and Future Kings" evoke the melodic yet unconventional style of the '60s with their new EP "Emergent Sea," released Dec. 1. "Emergent Sea" features songs reminiscent of '60s rock that transcend merely dull imitations of the past.

The local band is comprised of Jess Edison (vocals and guitar), Justin Verted (keyboard and vocals), Dr. Delirious (drums), and Josh Petty (bass). Their traditional instrumental arrangements work well with their sedated style, which is somehow intricate and monotone at once. The instrumental elements blend and build together well to create flowing songs that wash over the listener with their hypnotic quality.

At times, their energy wanes, but these lapses can be forgiven with the emergence of intriguing vocal harmonies (as on "Sirens") or a compelling counter melody (as in "Like a Furious Tempest," which features a circus piano).

Without submitting to the conventions of songwriting such as trite song structure and contrived lyricism, the Once and Future Kings still manage to create catchy rock songs with lyrics that don't bore. The band seems to understand traditional songwriting quite well, choosing to adhere to standard structure with only sly diversions, creating intriguing listening that is never tedious. The sound is definitely mellow, though, and the songs sometimes drone, so "Emergent Sea" is not for the fan of up-beat pop or dance music. For the contemplative listener who wants music to chill out with, "Emergent Sea" provides the perfect sound.

For more about Once and Future Kings and information about purchasing their new EP, check out their website, onceandfuturekings.com. - The Orbis