For his fifth studio album The Other, L.A. based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist King Tuff (a.k.a. Kyle Thomas) changes things up with a self-described “psychic reset” after relentless touring and four other releases in a 12-year span of time. To quote Thomas, the reset included this approach: “I let the songs lead me where they wanted to go, instead of trying to push them into a certain zone… King Tuff was never supposed to be just one thing. It was supposed to be everything.” The Other was produced by Thomas himself in his home studio – his first self-produced release since 2006’s debut Mindblow – featuring songs that he could play solo with just a guitar. The Other, however, showcases Thomas playing many of the instruments with the exception of drums (Ty Segall, Charles Moothart) and saxophones (Mikal Cronin) and an all-star list of guest backing vocalists which include Jenny Lewis, Kevin Morby, Greta Morgan, and Ty Segall. The result is Thomas’ most introspective album to date and a unique, vividly psychedelic and extremely pleasant listening experience. Album highlights include: the hypnotic “Raindrop Blue”; the cosmic “Psycho Star”; the luminous reworking of an old song for a fallen friend “Thru The Cracks”; and the mesmerizing closing track “No Man’s Land.” King Tuff’s The Other is an excellent album and likely to be one of my favorites of the summer and possibly even the year. It’s an indie/garage pop gem! – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Mikal Cronin, Meatbodies, Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees