King King: Maverick Review

Over the past decade, King King has cemented itself as one of the top blues rock bands on the planet. However, Maverick presents a new lineup joining frontman Alan Nimmo, including the addition of Alan’s brother, Stevie. The good news for King King fans is the change hasn’t affected the quality. According to Nimmo, the lineup change inspired the title for the album, Maverick.

The albums begins with “Never Give In,” which sounds like classic King King. “Fire In My Soul” follows and is a catchy rock tune with new keyboardist Jonny Dyke featured prominently. “Whatever It Takes To Survive” is a power ballad about finding a way no matter what. It’s a song that takes on even more meaning with the current worldwide pandemic and the guitar solo really elevates the track to epic status.

Staying strong and not giving up is definitely a theme to Maverick with tracks like “I Will Not Fall,” “By Your Side,” “One World,” and “Everything Will Be Alright.” “By Your Side” is another standout ballad where Dyke’s piano really shines with Nimmo’s emotional vocal performance.

From start to finish, Maverick is blues rock at its best. One thing that separates Alan Nimmo and King King from many blues rock acts is Nimmo’s ability to write hooks. Nimmo is a hook machine writing hook after hook. He hits the guitar solo when needed but doesn’t make it overpower or take over the song. This is evident throughout the songwriting on Maverick. The album is chock-full of catchy and memorable tunes that stand up with King King’s best work.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Fire In My Soul
– Whatever It Takes To Survive
– I Will Not Fall
– By Your Side
– One World

The Big Hit

– Whatever It Takes To Survive