'STICK AND TWIST' (4-track EP/ 2003)
York is a city that has a lot to be proud of. Its history is one thing. It's bands another: bands like this one, fronted by former Cognac star Alexander King�
Here AKP follow-up their globally-acclaimed 'Wake Up Dead' EP, 'Stick And Twist' wasting no time in reminding of this trio's unique rock'n'roll sound, Alex's introverted guitar chug giving way to guitar finger-picking as his vocals in the verses remind of Paul Roberts' before they seamlessy soar into the chorus with Jeff Buckley-caped emotional overload. Yep, Alex King sure has one amazingly versatile voice, throwing it around with the ease of a ragdoll, bellowing 'I've touched myself in a different way.' In this song this man is comfortable and confident, as this band serves a rare ability to be unanimously soulful and mellow, and then ruffled and rocking.
Behind the toiling Emo-fa�ade, these melodies are mainstream-capped, the darker 'Cloudcover' ('You gave the best to me; I gave the worst to you') giving way to Jamaica Jerk's oppressively slow bridge, that wraps you in a false sense of security before the power Alt.-pop chorus rumbles into a musical interlude that plays the track out. Mmm� AKP exude a similar intensity to Muse, both live and on record.
Final song, 'Rotting Steel,' is my fave though� the mid-paced melody crashing into a searing chorus that Alex's voice makes the best of, producing a perfect rock song that provokes crowd sway then out-and-out mosh reaction.
Yes, AKP admit themselves that they eschew traditional recording techniques and media avenues. Likewise, they pay no respect to traditional song structures, jamming with the flow and revelling in the magic they perpetually manage to create. (STEVE RUDD)
CONTACT AKP�
www.akp.org.uk www.akpcep.com Tel� 07980 003832