August 20, 2019
A single that has arrived at the perfect time where we’re looking ahead to warmer hazy days ahead, ‘Stars’ from Sydney four-piece, The Kava Kings, is the perfect remedy for any winter-time frump.
Taken from the band’s new EP Two Strangers, ‘Stars’ is a piece of a larger puzzle that focuses on relationships and its different stages. Melodic, hearty and delivered with rich charm, The Kava Kings put their stamp on the second half of 2019 with a fresh collection of material, primed for the live stage.
Taking the recording to Melbourne this time round, The Kava Kings set up camp in an industrial studio space in Moorabbin to bring the Two Strangers EP together, before returning to Sydney to lay the finishing touches on at Parliament Studios.
Working with Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) once more on this project, the end result is a vibrant and striking record of indie-rock music that sits comfortably in the same realm as Lime Cordiale and Ocean Alley.
Watch ‘Stars’
Having spent years forming and defining their sound and bringing it to audiences across Europe and the UK as well as on Australian stages supporting the likes of The Rubens, Birds of Tokyo, Winston Surfshirt and John Butler, The Kava Kings are a young band who have established a strong musical identity early.
Their debut European tour saw the band hit 13 venues throughout Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands before returning in 2018, with an expanded run through Germany and France.
Getting a taste of the international love on the festival front, The Kava Kings debut at Ameland in the Netherlands saw them play to a packed out tent of 1000 people, further fuelling their drive for the live experience.
Previous singles ‘Where Does It Hurt?’ and ‘Friends’ proved to be early examples of the band’s songwriting strengths – a strength that truly flourishes with ‘Stars’ and further on the Two Strangers EP.
Praise for Kava Kings
“It’s intimate and sympathetic. It makes me feel like this song is for me, and for me only; and I’m sure it’ll hit close to home for many others. Your ability to achieve that is pretty damn special.”
Triple J Unearthed, Claire Mooney (‘Where Does It Hurt?’)
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“Sad stories done in a joyous way, an age old tactic that you’ve nailed here.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe (‘Friends’)
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“It’s hard to pin down exactly why but I connected to this one immediately. Another winner from the kings.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne (‘Where Does It Hurt?’)
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‘Stars’ is driven by lofty melodies and harmony; vocals shine as the Smithson brothers play off each other effortlessly. Nuanced musical patterning is also an element of the track that The Kava Kings explore further throughout Two Strangers, yet on the lead single, the band’s musicianship is packaged into a blissful snapshot of creativity.
The band’s strong performance dynamic shines on ‘Medicine’ and ‘Give Me Gold’, the latter featuring ethereal vocals from guest artist Lola Scott. Prime use of sparseness is balanced with a sun-kissed brand of laidback guitar work and melodic patterning, making Two Strangers an immersive listen.
‘Stars’ is released Friday August 16th.
The TWO STRANGERS EP is released Friday August 23rd.
Fiercely dedicated to the meticulous growth of their artistry, The Kava Kings poured each individual sonic and band influence into the making of Two Strangers. “The Two Strangers EP as a whole, is a collection of songs that describe the different stages of relationships. From love loss to breaking out of chains and moving on. We have reinvented the band with this EP. Recording songs that feel totally different to what we’ve ever done.” The Kava Kings, Chris Smithson
For the ‘Stars’ music video, The Kava Kings worked with Ella Tubman in bringing things to life. Taking to the coast and interspersing with European tour footage, the footage has a nostalgic vibe that the band and director both clicked to instantly. “We have spent a lot of time up that way, and it was really nice to have someone like that to create something visual for our music.” The Kava Kings
Truly at home on the live stage, The Kava Kings are bringing Two Strangers to venues dotted along the east coast from the end of September. Naturals on stage, the band will be premiering a brand new live show for fans as they return to some of their favourite venues. Embodying the sound and energy of the coast, The Kava Kings are bringing new dynamism to the fore with their new music.
THE KAVA KINGS ‘TWO STRANGERS’ TOUR DATES
Friday September 27th Solbar Maroochydore
With The Fins, The Sundowners
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Thursday October 10th The Lansdowne Sydney
With Gold Member, MVRKS
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Thursday October 31st Transit Bar Canberra
With Powder Blue, Slow Dial
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Saturday November 2nd The Junction Katoomba
With Bush Plum, Ear Sponge
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Sunday November 10th North Gong Wollongong
With Wharves, Greta Stanley
Free Entry
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