King Voodoo have been around since 2019 but the pandemic sadly stifled their launch. However, they have gained so much ground recently, playing festivals up and down the country and supporting bands like Collateral, Piston, Revival Black and Midnite City. Always good to see live and their merchandise, with the ‘Voodoo’ logo is a must have for any gig goer. The debut album from these Liverpudlian favourites is out at the end of May, the title ties in with the Voodoo theme, but it was chosen as music can be a mindful cure for depression. The place it takes you to, is often an escape from reality, King Voodoo call this place ‘Hex City’. 

There are people who will stand by you whatever, people who ‘Believe In You’, which is the title of the first track. A strong message of reassurance to open the album and a hefty tune. Heavy guitar from Ian Johnson mashes with Jamie Suffield’s immaculate vocals and the result is not of this world, it’s galactic heaven. Rolling the bass of Joshua Carvell to hold it down and having backing vocals that add lustre, it’s just breathtaking. ‘Whiskey Drive’ celebrates a return to normality after lockdown and we drink together once again. This is a saunter in the warmth of the day, stepping into the sunlight after so many days spent in enclosed surroundings. It’s uplifting and the melody charms you with glorious lyrics. The guitar strokes are simple but when the solo screams like a comet, it truly comes into its own. More depth on the intro for ‘Sleep’ which also hears Jamie at his best. The riff revolves around the glossy vocals, that rise and drop effortlessly. The final bars take a twist, there’s a complete change to the track as it descends, transporting us away. One track I think is set to be massively popular is ‘Left Alone’ as it’s absolutely remarkable. Jamie hits the bar with his vocals and the message that we are not alone is emphatically put to us. This is a slow rocker, not a ballad, but somewhere in-between and they smash it. ‘Yesterdays Gone’ is also a gradual mover, more of a ballad, with enough soul to melt you. ‘There is always tomorrow’ is how the band describe this track and it attaches to your heart, gently wrapping it’s chords around you. 

It gets heavier to begin with on ‘Not Your Enemy’, sharp and more of a grind. Again the vibes are highlighted by Jamie, who deals some blinding moments, all backed by dirt filled rhythm workings, care of bassist Joshua and Graham Bennett on drums. ’Time To Party’ speaks for itself, it’s time to release those endorphins and enjoy yourself. This number is another with positivity, having multiple vocals and seductive guitar riffing is interwoven along the way. ‘Little Voodoo’ is more mellow and again the harmonies lie against a wall of gritty guitar. It does plunge towards the final third, as so often with King Voodoo’s writing, there’s more than one aspect to a song, a trait that makes them so appealing. The penultimate track ‘Sweet Loneliness’ is a velvety ride. A ballad with beautiful harmonies and as sweet as its title. The finale ’Sins Of Diablo’ cuts like a knife, classic rock, with hardened lyrics and the occasional roar of backing vocals, the other three members providing backing for Jamie. Diablo translates to ‘Devil’ in Spanish and the band turn to flamenco guitar for a dramatic and classical finish. Spellbinding and full of spirit right up to the last chord.                                 

This debut album was written mainly during the dark days of the pandemic, the ten tracks reflect, soothe and encapsulate experiences from those times, with Voodoo magic. I really cannot fault ‘Hex City’, the band have put heart and soul into this work and it shows. The guys who have original ideas and the gift of so much creativity, have used their talents to produce an album that’s unbelievably sublime. This will be one of my albums of the year, actually it will probably be the best of 2023 for me, it really is perfection.         

This will be one of my albums of the year, actually it will probably be the best of 2023 for me, it really is perfection.

Highlights – ‘Believe In You, Sleep, Left Alone, Not Your Enemy, Sins Of Diablo.

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King Voodoo are, Jamie Suffield – Guitar/Vocals , Ian Johnson – Guitar/Piano/Vocals , Joshua Carvell – Bass/Vocals , Graham Bennett – Drums/Vocals