Debut album from King Colobus

Hailing from Paignton in the south west of the UK, King Colobus is the musical alias of singer-songwriter and producer Stewart MacPherson, an artist who’s been shaping a sound that forms in the overlap between grit and grace. His music informed by the context of real experiences and life from his perspective, fusing the melancholy of alternative blues with the sharp edge of baritone-driven rock.

His sound draws a line between the atmospheric textures of Interpol and the storytelling of Johnny Cash, filtered through the brooding desert-rock vibes of Josh Homme as well as the intensity of Alice In Chains. Over the past decade, he’s earned a reputation for writing songs that stare down the harder corners of life, framing everything from the personal to the political and the profoundly human.

He’s been sharing his studio sound with the world for a decade, first unveiling his original musical vision back in 2016 when he released his debut eponymous EP and since then, he’s supported acts such as Sea Sick Steve, Band of Skulls, De Staat, Moriaty, Serenity and Crazy Arm. That debut release established him as an exciting new voice in the UK’s independent music scene, securing him features and support from BBC Introducing in both the Devon and Cornwall regions. On stage, he’s played across festival stages including Leopallooza, Tunes in the Dunes, Glas-Denbury, Turbulence Festival, Get Rad, Fishstock and Rockfest, where he’s became known for his atmospheric performances.

In 2018, he collaborated with electronica artist ARTHR on the dance-focused single “Whisperings of the World,” released via the Arcade Pony Records imprint and the following year brought Peace & Loving, his sophomore EP. Now, after years of writing, recording and reflection, King Colobus unveils his most ambitious work thus far, bringing us his brand new debut full-length album titled Torn Between Age & Perseverance. Crafted over an eight-year period and entirely self-produced, the record is at once a personal statement and a showcase of his steadfast artistic determination, distilling a decade’s worth of creative exploration into an emphatic musical work.

Opened by the pulsing percussion on “7 Billion Bugs,” a moody post rock scene builds with rolling bass lines, strummed guitars and bright piano notes as King Colobus’ commanding voice enters to spin slick melodic leads among the smokey rock atmosphere. Capturing the blend of dusty vibes and memorable melodic writing of bands like Queens of the Stone Age, it’s an epic jam that puts his songwriting flair and performance panache on full display.

“Don’t Trust Anyone” lands with the buzz of stuttered synth notes before the mellow twang of guitar notes and laid back rustle of drums sets up an engrossing rock ride that swells with crunching bursts of distortion capped by King Colobus’ gripping vocal leads. “Shadow” hops with the uptempo bounce of steady kick and lively acoustic guitar as his expressive voice glides above to form an engaging outing that’s invigorating and brooding but peppered with flashes of bright melodies.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “World on Fire” which takes aim at the disarray of modern politics, translating frustration into something both musically enjoyable and poetic, wrapped up in a grooving arrangement and cut with instantly catchy melodic hooks. On “Hole,” he turns his focus to familial struggles with dementia, writing with a rare compassion that’s moving and affecting while still presenting an anthemic musical moment that’s impossible not to love.

Closing the album with “Wreckless,” the shuffle of punching drums and layers of chords and intricate lead guitar lines are met by infectious vocal lines to serve up an incredible finale to King Colobus’ sensational first LP. With this debut record, King Colobus has reached a truly thrilling moment in his career, offering a superb musical work that’s sure to win over new listeners across the UK and beyond.

Listen to Torn Between Age & Perseverance below