Review by Anna on April 1, 2012.

At first glance it might seem like just another folksy-bluesy acoustic "singer-songwriter"-type album... It's a sad thing if one "hears" that, but doesn't truly hear it.

Though it won't go unnoticed that "Heavy Kingdom" is a "hybrid" of Sir Wino And Conny Ochs's genius, one should listen only to the source- the truth, from whence this album was born. "Heavy Kingdom" carries the essence of each, spiritually and musically, yet blends seamlessly like paints into a familiar yet hitherto unborn shade. The strong structural foundation of the songs lends momentum and lift to a collection of messages, emotions, and truths, manifested through the enlightened arrangement and layering of melody, rhythm, texture, and words. Tradition, style, earthly symbolism, and the exposed sounds of a physical atmosphere keep you cocooned in what would otherwise feel like a full immersion in uncontained and intense raw energies, allowing for easier absorption and perhaps comprehension.

This album is highly pleasurable, though one should make certain to release any existing expectations, judgments, associations, or predispositions beforehand. Reception in a stripped, fully sensitive state is ideal and will yield the most rewarding experience both spiritually and physiologically.

In layman's terms... there is some fucking brilliant, almost understated guitar-work on here. This album is full of heart-swelling melodies, the nearly breathtaking timbre of Mr. Ochs's voice dueting with the idiosyncratic and highly charismatic style of Sir Wino, rustic melancholy, exquisite choke-up moments, muscles, possible homoeroticism, and so much more. It may not exactly blow your mind when you first put it on but somehow I cannot stop grooving to this record- like a fine Wein it just seems to get better all the time. "Heavy Kingdom" is a solid album, and that's the truth.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.7

Rating: 9.7 out of 10