The time that King Khan took off over the last few years to focus on his engorged soul revue, which comprised a few German players and an enchanting dancer, hasn’t been detrimental. Instead, his funky sojourn may have resulted in a stronger sense of melody and groove than what was previously displayed on this group’s recordings.
Returning again to In the Red Records for the newly released Invisible Girl, the duo hasn’t forsaken its lower than low production values despite King’s aforementioned foray into larger groups. Interestingly enough, though, this disc seems more fully composed. And rightly or not, it might be perceived to reflect a wider, albeit just slightly, musical palette.
The ridiculously named “Animal Party” – which possesses lyrics just as bizarre – comes off as a quick step, garagey update to the Velvet Underground’s “The Gift.” There’s no accidental stabbings in the King Khan and BBQ song, but that’s not to say that the song’s any less shocking to hear, because, really, who did order that pizza?
Of course, this single shot of juvenilia (there’s a lot more as well) isn’t the only aspect of Invisible Girl that makes the album an enjoyable listen. And moving back wards through America’s musical past, even if these guys are Canadian, finds the duo in near doo-wop territory on “Third Ave.” The pacing is all slow with backing vocals helping to keep it all together. What’s most remarkable about this track is the fact that it finds BBQ singing in sincere tones about love whereas other tracks focus on some lusty topics and result in sheer nonsense. The duo’s ability to shift back and forth doesn’t make them masters of the genre, but talented enough to make its work come off as alternately heart wrench and dance worthy.
So whereas media darlings like Animal Collective aim at working in dance tracks with sensationally bizarre lyrical content and then angle at a proper love song, but fall flat, these world traveling foreigners are able to do it with aplomb.
Most likely Invisible Girl won’t wind up affecting the larger culture or even making it onto those last minute year end lists, but that doesn’t lessen the quality of the offering. There might not be too much other genre territory for these folks to cover, but retreads, at this point are welcome.