King Dude is the solo project of T.J. Cowgill and Fear is his fourth album. The previous releases has been pretty close to the European neo-folk tradition of bands like Death in June and Sol Invictus but spiced up by some elements of blues and country. The mixture was interesting and gave King Dude a somewhat unique sound.
He doesn't exactly explore new paths on Fear, but his focus is more on the American inspirations, and his music can't really be classified as neo-folk anymore. There has always been a fascination with singers and songwriters like Nick Cave, Michael Gira and Johnny Cash, and it probably haven't been more obvious than on tracks like 'Devil Eyes', 'Bottomless Pit', Watching You, 'Maria', and 'Never Run'. The mentioned songs makes one think of a small town American bar inhabited by middle-aged workers with severe problems; depressions, drinking problems, the misses sleeping around etc. It kinda makes me think of the Roadhouse from Twin Peaks. Unfortunately not all the songs are as great and moody as these. 'Demon Caller Number 9' and 'Cloven Hooves (Of Fear)' comes off as annoying teenage rock songs, and the album could really do without those. None the less it's worth a listen, especially if you're into Cave and Cash.
Listen to the album here.
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