Mauga

King Hobo

Formed in 2005 by CLUTCH's Jean-Paul Gaster and OPETH's Per Wiberg, KING HOBO has now […]
By Brian "Metal" Morton
August 8, 2019
King Hobo - Mauga album cover

Formed in 2005 by CLUTCH's Jean-Paul Gaster and OPETH's Per Wiberg, KING HOBO has now released their second album "Mauga". From what I have heard so far it reminds me of a funkier CLUTCH. With Thomas Juneor Andersson on Vocals, Guitar and Percussion, Per Wiberg on Vocals, Bass and Keys and Jean-Paul Gaster on drums this is sure to please those of you who enjoy funky Rock.

It begins with the song "Hobo Ride" which is very reminiscent of CLUTCH but with a more bluesy feel. The song is pretty energetic and quite a fun song to listen to. The second song "Dragon's Tail" is even more catchy than the previous song. So, so far I am digging the fun nature of the album. It's very easy on the ears and pretty pleasurable. The band as a whole is pretty damn good.

Up next we have "King Blues" which has a slight psychedelic feel to it which is quite enjoyable. It also kind of reminds me of something that would have come out during the 70s Rock scene. I found the song to be very pleasing to the ears. "Good Stuff" gets back to the funkier side of the band. It kind of takes me back to RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS a bit. This song was a pretty groovy song that I think people would really enjoy.

"Mauga" starts off with the sound of waves crashing and seagulls which is pretty serene and leads into a beautiful guitar riff. It's very bluesy and almost has a hint of jazz in there. This song is really amazing and it's one of the best instrumentals I have heard in quite a while. "How Come We're Blind" is a wonderful follow up to the previous song. It keeps up with the serenity and it's absolutely a beautiful addition to the album.

"Listen Here" gets us back in to the sound that we have mainly heard on the album so far. This song is extremely catchy and I really enjoyed it. "Move to the City" is pure Funk. This song will make you want to get up and dance and have a lot of fun. The next song is actually in two parts. "Twilight Harvest Pt 1 &2" is by far the most blues and jazz influenced song on the album. Half of it is upbeat and funky while the other part is slower but still amazing. I think this one is probably my favorite off the album. "New Or-Sa-Leans" is the final song on the album and it's truly a wonderful ending. Its jam packed with tons of instruments and it's funky as hell! This probably is my second favorite on the album.

All in all, this album was pretty damn good and I will definitely be keeping it in my playlist. Good job guys!
 

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

7

Memorability

8

Production

9
"Mauga" Track-listing:

1. Hobo Ride
2. Dragon's Tail
3. King Blues
4. Good Stuff
5. Mauga
6. How Come We're Blind
7. Listen Here
8. Move to the City
9. Twilight Harvest Pt 1 & 2
10. New Or-Sa-Leans

King Hobo Lineup:

Thomas Juneor Andersson - Vocals / Guitars / Percussion
Per Wiberg - Vocals / Bass / Keys
Jean-Paul Gaster - Drums

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