Across seven albums, spanning eight years, King Dude has explored every facet of folk, Americana and post punk. His eighth LP, ‘Full Virgo Moon’ feels like a return to the melancholy roots of his earliest releases ‘Tonight’s Special Death’ and ‘Love’. Considering the upbeat and sometimes sexually aggressive feeling nature of his last four albums, this opus feels especially steeped in sadness, particularly on songs such as ‘Forgive My Sins’ which includes the lyrics “there is a place where dreams go to die, I know because I’ve been there before”.
It’s difficult to pinpoint where the man that is TJ Cowgill ends and his stage persona, King Dude, begins, however, while the subject of demons features heavily on his previous works, it’s more than apparent that the man behind the music is utilising this record to exorcise some of his own. It’s not all doom and gloom though; ‘Forty Fives Say Six Six Six’ is a gothic country anthem that’s gruff enough that even the late Johnny Cash would sure have been proud to call it his own. TJ also uses the opportunity to take a swipe at the protests against the National Secular Society, who campaign for separation of church and state, on ‘The Satanic Temple’, singing “it don’t mean shit to the kids who invented it”.
With a run time of just 31 minutes, there is barely time to wrap your head around the sombre depths that the ‘Dude is exploring, and you’re definitely left wanting more. However, considering the frequency with which he releases new albums it’s doubtful we’ll have long to wait until the next ray of Lucifer’s light shines down upon us courtesy of King Dude. For long-time fans, this feels like a familiar welcome home. For first time listeners it may be best to delve deeper into the discography and begin your journey with a slightly more accessible album such as ‘Fear’ or ‘Sex’.
(8/10 Angela Davey)
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