KINGS AND LIARS is a Connecticut based band with three seasoned, veteran musicians. The bands these guys have played in is a "Who's Who" of Rock and Metal, including the likes of JASTA and DEE SNIDER. Using three-part harmonies in a few places, this is like a heavier, darker KING'S X. And man does that work well. "Transition Animals" was released January 28, 2022, via Salt Of The Earth Records.

The record starts with "Hang on For Dear Life." The initial riff is heavy and lumbering. Downtuned and dark, it turns into it gets a bit friendlier for the chorus. The way the leads layer in over the riff are killer as well. I love the variable drum patterns throughout this one. The bass hangs out under the riff, almost lurking down there. This has a bit of stoner/doom feel to it without being that slow, sludgy tempo.

"We Are There" has a bit of a contrast to it. The intro is a lot lighter and upbeat, but the song goes back to the darker, chugging rhythm for the chorus. The differences between the verses and chorus is handled very nicely. The shifts are precise. The higher pitched vocals in some areas show off the vocal talents a bit more than most songs, and the harmonies on the chorus are killer.

Moving down to "Conquer the Fear," we get a slower intro that gives a bit more indication of the massive song writing skills these guys have. That kick into the main body of the song is beautiful. You get the full melodic feel to go with the heaviness of the chorus. I also like the harsher grittiness of the lead vocals on this one. They offset the cleans really well and give the song a bit more tension. It feels like beating fear might not be easy, but it is doable. I love the execution and musicianship on this song.

The surprise song for me on this record is the cover of REM's "The One I Love." The intro did not give the song away to me, but I got it as soon as the vocals kicked in. This version is absolutely excellent! I like the original, but this one has more power to it. The heavier tuning and more abrasive riff really hooked me. The solo, the drums, the bass, the shifts in vocals, even the dropping out of the instruments for the one lyric line, all worked really well. This is my favorite cover tune right now. I really love this rendition.

The record ends with "Never Take Your Crown." This is the song that starts slow and stays there. The vocal harmonies are sublime. This has a bit of a doom ballad feel to it. That sounds weird to say, but it works. The guitars are especially expressive in this song. Not sure why I feel that way, but I do. The vocals that kind of hang back from the mic are really good. The keyboards towards the end add extra flavor. This song has a different vibe than the rest of the album. Rather than feeling out of place, it just expands how far and wide this group can go.

After listening through this on loop for a few days, I am really impressed with this band. They have a lot of skill with both the writing and the playing of the music. These guys should be touring with major acts. Considering who these guys play and tour with, I'm sure they are very busy, but damn, I'd like to see them do a tour of the New England area. They could scatter in some covers from their other bands and really just rock the night away.