Behold the birth of a new musical genre: Stoner Pop.
These L.A.-via-Vermont garage metallurgists ply a unique sound for the faux biker demographic. Their post-Sabbath sludge of fuzz guitar riffing meets radio-ready hooks and melodies gains a fresh energy in Kyle Thomas’ glam rock vocal logic. It’s as infectious as any vintage T. Rex or Kiss single.
Sadly, Fun Fun Fun Fest’s Orange stage conspired to nearly derail the set. First, Thomas couldn’t get his entrance tape of “The William Tell Overture” turned down as he ignited “Black Moon Spell,” title track to KT’s new Sub Pop LP. Then the sound man couldn’t seem to switch on the band’s microphones. After they were finally in the mix, Thomas’ guitar amp gave out!
Once a spare Marshall was plugged in, the trio played relentlessly. In an ideal world, nuggets like “Madness” and “Headbanger” would be massive radio hits. In the collective mind of band and audience, they are. King Tuff’s power lies therein.
Drummer Garett Goddard pounds, bassist Magic Jake cracks jokes and resembles Matthew McConaughey’s Dazed and Confused Wooderson, and King Tuff himself grins and shreds. It’s a 1975 of the mind, and King Tuff are rock’s biggest stars.
Check out our complete Fun Fun Fun Fest coverage.
This article appears in November 7 • 2014.
