This is definitely the case for frontman Bertil. He has been writing songs for a while now. In 2014 he decided to record them and to make an album. When they were working on the project they decided that the album would not be released as a solo project, but that it would be the work of an actual band.
This shows. After some introduction noises that somehow remind me of the robot scene in Rocky IV you will hear something that can easily be compared to The Police. However, telling you that the whole album sounds like that would be a lie, because most songs are executed in a different style. If I was asked to put Kingfisher in some sort of category, I would give them their own.
The first song, ‘Cause and Effect’ is followed by ‘All I Want’, which is also a very poppy rock song. It is for Kingfisher what ‘Your Love’ is for The Outfield. After having listened to it once the chorus will be in your head for the rest of the day. The tempo of the album decreases after that. A couple of slower songs, with lyrics that are more sensitive, are able to move me.
With ‘Blame Me’, again an energetic track to sing along with in the car, Kingfisher picks up where they left off. ‘You Were There’ is another proof of the large amount of variety on the album. The combination of wind-instruments, rhythm guitar and bass create a full sound and a very strong and intimate atmosphere. My favorite track ‘The Missing Song’, which has a catchy chorus accompanied by much rougher finger work, is the climax of the album.
For me, ‘The Emptiness Outside Of Me’ is a beautiful mix of catchy rock songs and slower tracks that can stir up some powerful emotions. It is the ideal record to put on and sing along with while driving your convertible on the Autoroute du Soleil. Just pay attention to the toll plazas. When you are driving without a roof over your head other people can hear you.
Michiel