Krooked Kings - “Sick of Being Young”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Phoenix, Manchester Orchestra, AJR

Moving along the range of dreamy indie pop to crisp, radio-ready alt-rock material, Krooked Kings are hard to box in while still standing strong as a tight and direct collective. Based out of Utah, Krooked Kings have a sunny sound without being overbearing, big without being over the top. They are a couple records in, the last being 2021’s The Comedown, but it’s worth noting the string of 2022/2023 singles since that continue to define their rotating moods and expressions. From the new-wave-meets-chillwave number “Landfall” to 2023’s “Sick of Being Young”, a track that recalls emo rock and thumping, big-stage anthems, Krooked Kings strength is based more in breadth than depth. That’s not to say they aren’t fully committed, rather Krooked Kings produce their songs with the intention of a veteran rock band. The slower songs are especially melancholy (“Carbon Monoxide”, a collaboration with Day Wave being one of the best examples) and the bigger songs are set for set-closing grandeur. Hopefully these singles are leading to a proper 2023 release and are a path for a band ready to take on whatever is ahead. (Kevin McStravick)