In spite of the recent and untimely departures of guitarist Ian Dudfield and drummer Jonathon Willoughby, London-based folk rockers To Kill A King have dropped their intimate debut album.
Having released consecutive well-received EPs in the previous two years, and further strengthened by the production prowess of Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Bombay Bicycle Club), the band were poised to produce an encouraging debut.
Despite the presence of numerous delicate tracks, Cannibals With Cutlery is an inconsistent record that struggles to capture the innovation of previous efforts.
With three of the opening six tracks from second EP Word Of Mouth, the album commonly lays dormant, progressing through an innocuous cycle of unassuming melodies.
Opening with restrained lullaby “I Work Nights And You Work Days”, the album provides invaluable insights into the creative mindset of frontman Ralph Pelleymounter.
Exploring domestic violence and identity struggle, the band create an overwhelming emotional experience at the unfortunate expense of cadence and rhythm.
With subtle string arrangements and insightful vocals, “Cold Skin”, “Rays” and “Fictional State” are further highlights, while “Family” and “Letters To My Lover” are desperately reflective ballads of undeniable sincerity.
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Regardless, the imitative nature of the album is unfortunate and profound, and while recent comparisons to Mumford & Sons aren’t completely unfound, a more appropriate comparison would be Band Of Horses.
As a result, for a band with an already swelling reputation, Cannibals With Cutlery is a slightly underwhelming release. Notwithstanding, the ability of To Kill A King to convey real and genuine emotion will surely resonate with fans into the future.
