(Progressive Rock) KingBathmat - 2013 - Overcoming the Monster, FLAC (tracks), lossless (web-release)

"KingBathmat are a powered up independent/psychedelic/progressive/alternative rock band, hailing from Hastings in England. Initially started by singer/songwriter John Bassett, KingBathmat have now independently released six albums to date “Son of a Nun” (2003), “Crowning Glory” (2004), “Fantastic Freak Show Carnival”(2005), "Blue Sea, Black Heart" (2008), "Gravity Field" (2009) and "Truth Button" (2012) . The 4 piece band comprises of John Bassett (guitar,vocals), David Georgiou (Keyboards), Rob Watts (bass) and Bernie Smirnoff (drums).
The musical style of KingBathmat is difficult to ascertain, pin down or pigeon hole and does not sit comfortably in any particular category of music. Often described in reviews as an amalgamation of numerous bands e.g. "the sound of Pink Floyd wrestling with Kasabian", "Black Sabbath cuddled by extravagant ELO harmonies". It is clear that a bewildering array of influences produce a sound on record that circumnavigates the gamut of genres that reside upon this musical sphere.
KingBathmat can resemble at times, a sonic expedition, a giddy aural excursion, visiting genres as diverse and contrary as the complex arrangements that inhabit "progressive rock" interlaced with the cutting vocal melodies of "classic pop" that then tear abruptly into an uncompromising sledgehammer heavy metal riff. A big old slice of distraction cake served with a buttercream filling of abstract and arcane lyrics on a bed of layered vocal harmonies that weave a centrally focused melodic core that lays a strong foundation under each and everyone of their musical emanations, leaving the listener to ponder "Is it an exquisite ornate Faberge Egg or a crumpled up papier mache ball encrusted in moomin juice?"
KingBathmat do not align themselves with convention, they have ditched the giblet hustlers and they endeavour to buck the trend and to not take themselves too seriously. For they do not look for, or court approval. KingBathmat are not beholding to a multi-national company, a debt, or a self proposed obligation. They do what they want. And so into 2013 that now sees the release of Album no 7."
kingbathmat.com

"I’d never come across the crazily named Hastings band KingBathmat before but after listening to their seventh release, Overcoming The Monster (which I highly recommended), I made a point of checking out their entire back catalogue as I wanted to see how they had progressed over the years and if the quality of their output had varied or declined. Well, it turns out that these bunch of progmeisters consistently release high quality albums, positively bursting with talent, full of innovation and musical dexterity.
Invenned by John Bassett (guitar, vocals) at the start of the Millennium there appears to be sense of urgency in creating music which fully deploys the considerable skills of David Georgiou (keyboards), Rob Watts (bass), and Bernie Smirnoff (drums). I found it difficult to pigeon-hole the band; best to call them a progressive psychedelic, space, metal rock band. Because of this genre spanning ability it’s difficult to suggest similar groups; but I’ll have a go anyway. Imagine what Sabbath would have been like if they collaborated with Porcupine Tree, Spock's Beard and The Mars Volta and you’re starting to get the general vibe of what’s going on here.
With Overcoming The Monster the band has once again joined forces with Stereohead Records and have also thought hard about the album artwork as well. The cover shows Medusa trying to conquer her own personal terrors and torments by blindfolding herself, which deactivates her capability to turn people into stone with her stare … in case you hadn’t guessed it by now, Overcoming The Monster is a concept album; here’s how the band describe it:
“Overcoming The Monster deals with the theme of psychological obstacles (monsters of the mind) that are manufactured in our thoughts, both internally through our insecurities, externally by the outside influence of others and collectively through the mass media which uses fear as a tool to manipulate our perceptions. Overcoming The Monster addresses the need to ignore these clandestine forms of control and rise above the illusory obstacles that are placed in our path in order to deliberately block opportunities that are accessible to everybody.”
The album follows a classic storyline with every song embodying a monster of the mind:
:: Track 1 – ‘Sentinel’ (their first single) has the theme of a spiritual monster: religion, guilt, the lack of spirituality creating fear. A powerful opener which sees keyboards slotting in nicely into the driving melodies.
:: Track 2 - ‘Parasomnia‘ deals with paranormal monsters: the fear of the unknown and unseen. The track starts like the soundtrack to a horror movie and features with some nice interplay between bass, synth and drums.
:: Track 3 - ‘Overcoming The Monster‘ (the title track) deals with historical monsters: the rewriting of history.
:: Track 4 - ‘Superfluous‘ is about political and military monsters: the state using propaganda to entice the young and gullible to fight unnecessary wars. The song is initially very heavy but soon progresses into a universe of prog.
:: Track 5 - ‘Reality Mining‘, the shortest song on the album, is about technological monsters: the state using technology to snoop into our private affairs.
:: Track 6 - "Kubrick Moon" is about conspiratorial monsters: information overload in a digital age seeding mass confusion; very atmospheric with some added oomph in the middle section.
The whole album lasts just over 50 minutes and contains six tracks, so most songs last for between seven and 12 minutes: lots of time for each of the individual ideas to develop and expand into unusual territories. Also, it’s difficult to say which is the standout track(s) as the quality is consistent throughout; not once did I detect any filler material.
So, in summary a first-rate release by KingBathmat which merges metal pandemonium with exploratory prog emotions, soaring vocals, complex melodies and offbeat lyrics. Treat your ears; give it (and their entire back catalogue) a listen."
Sander for echoesanddust.com

Overcoming The Monster Reviews
http://homepage.kingbathmat.com/2013/07/overcoming-monster-reviews.html

John Bassett - vocals and guitars
Bernie Smirnoff - drums
Rob Watts - bass
David Georgiou - keyboards