Junior

Kaki King is one of a new generation of notable guitar virtuosos. While she has recorded several albums that serve as showcases for her eye-popping fretwork, for her fifth album, 2010’s Junior, King is in full band mode, writing rock anthems that power past with a rocker’s intensity. Producer Malcolm Burn gives everything a tight, atmospheric punch and King’s vocals often float into the echo caverns. “The Betrayer” is a flat-out rocker with drummer Jordan Perlson driving King to take full advantage of the extra firepower. “Spit it Back In My Mouth” could almost be an ethereal Cocteau Twins number if not for the aggressive, spiky freakouts. “Falling Day” is a vibrant workout. “The Hoopers of Hudspeth” is a gentle, spooky night walk with King’s voice taking on the feel of a rainy Parisian pop number. “Communist Friends” jangles with keyboards and guitars creating a hard-rocking, new-wave groove. “My Nerves That Committed Suicide” builds to anthemic proportions. “Hallucinations From My Poisonous German Streets” pounds with a metallic grind. Great variety and power throughout.