Band : King Sigh
Album title : Entering
Label : Private release
Distributor : King Sigh
Release date : Late 2009
Release : CD

Very little info available from this Scherpenheuvel based Belgian instrumental Rock/ Metal band. By combining the several (very positive) reviews I’ve already seen fom this privately released album, I was able to gather the following “story”.

In a line-up of guitarist Zowie Vangeel, bassist Peter Laeremans, and drummer Koen Muylaert already had an album out before. Some after that, Muylaert decided to leave and, undaunted, Zowie and Peter decided to start some home recordings, a rather lengthy process which eventually resulted in this 8-track album. Then Koen returns, but on second guitar, and after recruiting new drummer Tim Haesevoets and some rehearsals, the band set out to do some damage on the Belgian stages, debuting the new band & starting their promotion campaign for the album on Christmas Eve 2009 at Aarschot’s De Klinker…before taking a Winter’s sleep. In late March they returned to the playing field for a couple of gigs (including a gig at Brussel’s Botanique), and in April they supported US band Mayfield in their hometown. In May they continue their slow attack on the Belgian stages, and are even expected in the neighborhood of Concrete Web’s hometown (playing Alma 3 at Arenbergpark in Heverlee).

So, what’s all the hue about? Some reviewers made the inevitable link to Mogwai (allowing nevertheless for extra praise to KS in their ability to twisting the genre to something of their own), others (as mentioned in the band’s bio at myspace.com/kingsigh) have claimed said the music balances between Jean-Michel Jarre, Sigur Rós, and Rock with balls, while yet others didn’t hesitate to use terms like “instrumental”, “filmic” & “Post-Rock”. Opinions vary, of course, and even yet others have categorized the band as SpaceRock or “Freakypsychorock”! Reality is, KS balances between all of the above, alternating calmer passages with more energetic ones, frequently adding keyboard sounds. With a few exceptions the tracks are played without a muted time between ‘em, which makes for the listener goin’ through the 8 songs on the album in an almost un-pauzed session! Before you know it, the 30 ½ minutes of the album are over, and you’re back onto the cd-player to push the “play” button again, for the…how many time’s it been now? I’ve lost track, you know, but who cares when the offering is so delectable!? Have a go at the album’s material yourself : the complete album is posted at both the band’s MySpace and Vi.be!!! I’ve found myself another favourite Belgian band, I have, really!!!

98/100

Tony.