PESKI KINGS: I Write All The Rules - Mini-album Demo 2007
If you had to sum up this band's songs in one word, you'd have a choice of three - "memorable", "enjoyable" and "smile". But we're not just talking one track - we're talking all 7 of the tracks on this debut demo. Superbly recorded, the only minor criticisms that you could level is that the production is not quite as dynamic and crisp as you'd have liked and it doesn't quite reflect the energy that the band exudes in their live performances. But, and probably more importantly than anything, what it does do, is have each of the songs swirling around your brain for hours afterwards. One listen to this 7-track mini-album and you're sauntering down the stairs with all manner of their hooks and choruses racing around your head - and there's a ton of bands out there that would kill to write songs that have that sort of effect on the listener. This band do it seemingly effortlessly!!
Right from the start, the band lays down a good-time feel as lead singer Becky chimes out a wordless chorus over strummed acoustic guitar before delivering the main body of the song in a rich sounding mid-register vocal - and then it begins - this twangy guitar lead enters to stunning yet simplistic effect as the rhythm section saunters along and the multi-tracked vocal alternates with the lead on verses and hooks that seem to come out at you with shining happiness every second of the way, twisting occasionally (with one brief bit where the drummer sounds like he's fallen over the drums), but staying true to its jaunty magical qualities. "It's Your Time" begins slower with deep bass, twangy guitar and gorgeous harmony vocals, then the band pick it up to develop it into a flowing, uptempo slice of pop deliciousness, the whole thing have a languid feel while at the same time defying you not to tap your feet to it, as the simple but effective arrangements provide room for an economic guitar break while Becky's vocals are relaxed and strong at the same time on a jaunty ballad that really hits the spot. "Stay Tonight" is that perfect example of side-to-side swaying, arms-waving-in-the-air ballads that is positively anthemic while at the same time being a gloriously beautiful slice of pop love song in action, possessing a chorus that is just to die for, as Becky's emotive vocal delivers the song above a solid, slowly travelling band-played backing that works a treat as shuffling drums, deep bass and jangly guitars provide the exquisite backing. "You're Number One" starts with cascading bass and summery female vocal as it quickly picks up a beefy drum beat, the vocals continue to soar and stretch out from horizon to horizon as the song then picks up a head of steam and drives purposefully along into sun-drenched heaven as pure pop bliss shines out, diving and ascending to gorgeous effect as just under three minutes of relaxed ambience provides the pleasure.
Now, it's rare enough to have a band so capable of producing a great pop song, let alone several of the things, but even rarer for a band to produce a summery pop classic, yet that's what they've done in "To Be Loved". This time, the band's acoustic guitarist provides the lead vocal, alongside Becky delivering harmonies and choruses, while the twangy guitar figures are just perfect for the song, the chorus of which is sooooo memorable, you'll be humming it for hours after. This version is so much more relaxed than in concert but still conveys the splendour and simplicity of a slice of pop eloquence that is just so darned enjoyable. "The Real Me" is harder edged than most of the tracks on here and is the nearest they get to a sort of AOR-pop type of sound as the band deliver the backing with strength and urgency while the song itself is mostly done on male-female harmony vocals to delicious degree. Finally, we have "Super Fantastic", once more with male lead vocal accompanied by female harmonies and choruses as the band lay down an almost '60's-ish Bo Diddley-meets-sugarpop beat, over which the vocalists soar and flow, with a mix of blissfully urgent verses, rising choruses and even a twangy guitar solo for good measure.
Summing up, this is pop at its finest. OK, so it's not as seriously eloquent as The Law, it's not quite as powerful as Sergeant, but what it lacks there (and I'm talking strictly the CD here, not their live appearances), it more than makes up for in class and quality of writing and arranging with a distinctly country-meets-indie flavour. Given a major label, a great recording studio and the right distribution/promotion, these are classic, memorable songs. That the band are still in their infancy, one can only delight at the prospect of what's to come - for now, this is pure enjoyment on a silver platter, and that'll do me just fine.