Kingdom of Mustang
"Glad Days" Album
Kingdom of Mustang, a Virginia-based outfit formed in 2017, has been a prolific force in the indie scene, releasing a steady stream of five albums. Their latest, Glad Days, stands out in a landscape often dominated by nihilistic, grid-formed sounds, instead embracing the golden era of recording with refreshing sincerity.
In a world steeped in doom and gloom, Glad Days offers a much-needed breath of genuine joy. The band's enthusiasm is infectious, evident from the opening track “More Than They Deserve.” Harmonies intertwine with just the right amount of fuzz-laden guitars, delivering a hook that’s impossible not to smile at.
Following is “Talk Talk Talk,” a track that effortlessly channels the spirit of beloved bands from the '70s and '80s. The accordion intro sets the stage for a nostalgic yet invigorating journey. The titular track, “Glad Day,” emerges as a standout, balancing introspection with optimism and hope, showcasing the band's nuanced songwriting. With fourteen tracks, the album unfolds naturally, a testament to the band's old-school approach to album-making in an era dominated by singles.
This adherence to the album format as a cohesive art form is both a nod to the past and a refreshing stance in the present music landscape. Glad Days is a triumph, a record that feels undeniably real in a sea of synthetic sounds. Kingdom of Mustang isn't just getting started—they're laying down a marker for what genuine, heartfelt music can and should be.