The most frustrating part of the “King Krule” EP is trying to specify which genre it falls into. Is it shoegaze lounge? Slow-tempo, jazz-infused melodrama? Whatever you want to call it, the EP provides a window into a promising future for Archy Marshall.
Although the focus of the EP is Marshall’s voice, he doesn’t actually sing until the second track and even before he begins he audibly clears his throat. “Everything hits you in the end,” sings Marshall on “Bleak Bake”, giving the impression of wisdom beyond his seventeen years. “Portrait In Black and Blue” shows Marshall’s true crooning ability, as well as displaying more lines that, even if they seem vague to us, seem to indicate some higher artistic inclinations: “Time never gave me a chance/I should have been there,” and “Spastic gryations/and abbreviated bathing suits.” He sings over “Lead Existence” as if it were part of a musical, never actually becoming absent from the song for more than a few seconds, and this variety of singing styles from track to track really keeps you guessing. “The Noose of Jah City” takes up about a third of the EP’s running time and is clearly the cornerstone. Its slow-building beats and tender lyrics show Marshall in his most impressive state.
Understandably, Marshall’s youthful baritone will garner comparisons to groups like the XX and Real Estate, especially with such distinct voice distortion. While that trend does currently appear to be popular, Marshall has been using this technique since he was going by the title, Zoo Kid. This EP may be a chance for Marshall to start again in a more adult arena of music, leaning more towards writing thoughtful ballads.
“King Krule” is only 13 minutes long, but Marshall still manages to cover a lot of ground. He shows the versatility of his voice while successfully creating honest and simple background music. This EP grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more.
