Texas King

Texas King is a young four-piece band out of London, Ontario. The quartet met while studying Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College. They soon started playing local clubs, and eventually moved on to touring across Ontario with the release of their self-titled debut EP.

The album opens on an uplifting note with “Paper Tiger”—Jordan Macdonald’s deep, husky vocals are offset by the cheerful strum of a guitar. Soon enough things pick up into a pop rock track with edge. The song knows when to build and when to rely on the youthful, energetic vocals on offer.

“Come Find Me” takes off some of the debut edge. Macdonald’s voice takes on a plaintive tone as the music plays languidly along with him. The song transitions from alternative rock to a bluesy combination that shows off some of their influences, including Gary Clark Jr.

Following suit is “Now You Know” where Macdonald eases up even more on the vocals and proves that he can take on a softer touch along with the emotionally filled choruses from the previous tracks. “All For Love” jolts right out of this with some heavy drumming right off the top. Macdonald’s vocals are also back in full-force, packing in enough emotional punch to almost overpower the drums.

“Foster Mountain” ends things on an in-between note. In an almost return to the beginning, the guitar takes on a gentle but assertive note, and Macdonald holds back on the vocals until the chorus, when he lets loose one more time.

There’s a youthful energy and openness to Texas King’s first release. The emotional sincerity on display catches you in and asks you to pause and pay attention. Macdonald’s unique vocals steal the show as he adds a husky edge to what could have otherwise been over-the-top pop rock. Instead, he, and the music working with him, shift things towards a lighter alternative rock note that promises to evolve as the band matures.

Top Track: “All For Love”

Rating: Proud Hoot (Really Good) - Eleni Armenakis

Texas King is a four-piece rock band consisting of college friends — Jordan Macdonald, Colin Gray, Phil Spina and Rob Crellin — who met while attending the Music Industry Arts Program at Fanshawe College. They recently released their self-titled debut (featuring tracks such as Paper Tiger, Come and Find Me and Foster Mountain), and kicked off a spring/summer tour, which brings them to the APK Friday night. While they’re new as a group to the stage, they’ve already scooped up a nomination for Favourite Singer/Songwriter at the London Music Awards. See what all the hype is about.

Texas King and The Pick Brothers Band will perform at The APK Friday night, along with both The Strange and Tea Leaves. This 19+ show starts at 9 p.m., and cover is $5. - Lori Mastronardi

The lighting and sound fit together for some good mood jams.

The frontman lost himself in the music like no one was watching and drew the crowd in for some intimate moments. When he came back to the world of the conscious, he checked in with the crowd making sure everyone was having a good time. The frontman, lead, and bassist were all mobile on the stage coming right to the lip or standing on the drums.

The music was not overly technical, but complicated enough to be interesting.

The music is poppy and very commercial though never corny. It had an awesome edge to it that felt like a triumphant feeling of sunshine after a long dark night. All I want is to be sitting on a dock with the sun shining the morning after a storm and listening to these guys play.
The band made efforts to defrost the room. On the song “Love’s Gonna Find Me” they had everyone singing the hook and in a later song got everyone clapping.

Everything needs a little edge.

Total Score: 8.5/10
Visual/Sound Presentation: 9/10

Stage Presence: 9/10
Musical Ability: 8/10

Originality: 8/10
Crowd Reception: 9/10

Wow Factor: 8/10
 - Tyler Brown

In One Word: Energetic

London, ON rock outfit, Texas King, kicked off the first night of Canadian Music Week at The Hideout on Queen St. Despite the early set, they didn’t hold back. Texas King knows how to amp up the energy in a room, connecting with the show-goers and even getting down into the crowd. Their tunes are catchy and easy to pick up to sing along, while remaining musically interesting. Texas King is a band who knows how to have a good time, emblazoned with passion and raw energy, proving yet again that they’re here to shred and get wild. - Megan Rach