The Liquor Kings
Unfiltered (Independent)

The second album by the Liquor Kings, Unfiltered, kicks off with “Hit You Hard”, which starts on a fantastic guitar hook, courtesy of Mike Laviolette and Steve Graf. It’s reminiscent of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion at its greasiest and most convincing: a tight, fast, catchy statement of purpose, and Eddie Dutchman sings it with an appealing Joey Shithead–esque snarl.

The second track, “I Can’t Help Myself”, is maybe a smidgen more Stones-y, but every bit as concise and punchy. By the third song, you’ll probably have figured out that the Liquor Kings (mostly) do one thing, and do it really well: catchy, hard-rockin’, bar-band tales of debauchery and drink, played in a tight and energetic fashion.

“On My Feet Again” finally breaks up this tempo, the tune a four-minute-long venture into soulful country that’s about getting out of a tailspin. But it’s not only the slowest and longest song on Unfiltered, it’s the album’s weakest track, and you’ll be happy to return to the rock. The Liquor Kings don’t have the biggest musical range in Vancouver, but they do their thing with gusto and conviction.