In a very recent interview with Zane Lowe of BBC Radio 1, Frank Ocean named the UK’s King Krule as someone he’d like to collaborate with. This was my first time hearing his name so I jumped over to his Soundcloud, “Rock Bottom” and “Octopus” were waiting for me. I can see why Ocean is into Krule. Their styles compliment each other in interesting ways. They both have a sensitivity and emotional pull with their music and lyrics. They quickly and easily, can draw listeners into a world that’s partially their environment, and at the same time, something imagined. 

After first hearing those couple Soundcloud tracks I was dumbfounded when I checked out King Krule interviews, revealing a very unassuming Archy Marshall. All that depth, emotion and wisdom coming from such a young dude (He turned 18 last August). His ultra low voice had me thinkin’ he was much older. Another great example of not judging a book by its cover. There can be so much more beneath the surface, if you’re willing to look, and in King Krule’s case, listen.

I’m now traveling through his productions. Going back to his first releases in 2010, titled U.F.O.W.A.V.E., back when he was called Zoo Kid. A series of singles can be found on Zoo Kid’s Bandcamp. “Has This Hit” comes in with a lot of low end, a dark tune with interesting electronic bits. “Ocean Bed” is blissed the fuck out, so lovely.

After a name change, his next release was the King Krule EP on True Panther Sounds in 2011. “Bleak Bake” is another track showing some interesting delving into electronic beats. Combined with Marshall’s melancholy swooning, this one is a wonderful, modern melting pot of influences. A live video from Pitchfork Festival 2012, features a perfect performance of “The Noose of Jah City”. Can’t say enough how amazed I am by the clarity and maturity of Marshall and his band. If I could see Tame Impala and King Krule back to back I would be the happiest man.

Rinse, the majorly epic London radio station and label, put out a King Krule 12″ of Rock Bottom / Octopus late last year. It’s refreshing to see this kind of diversity from Rinse. They help drive the underground dance music scene, and now with Krule, show that they can work in many different sonic mediums. Both songs are just a pleasure to listen to, moving around freely and easily enveloping. In addition to the release, Rinse invited King Krule to their studio to host a Rinse FM Podcast. It’s just under 2hr’s long, with Archy Marshall guiding us through some of his influences and other tunes that he’s into. 

King Krule has an album set for release this spring via True Panther Sounds. In a very well done interview with The Fly, Marshall discusses his big plans for the future. This conversation shows another dimension to this incredibly gifted artist. He may appear shy and timid onstage, but he has a sharp perspective and confident understanding of what he is capable of. He aims to create a movement through his work, inspire other young artists and bring a fresh, organic perspective to the music community around him. He says, “..We are all creative people with a really big longing for something raw to come along. We want to make music more physical. Don’t wait for something on the internet, go and see it down the road, meet the people involved and find out how real it is..”. 

King Krule – Facebook Soundcloud 

kingkrule.com

– Jimi Jaxon