Kingdom - Kingdom (Reissue) (1970/2011)

"This CD version from Akarma Records reveals Kingdom to be a solid rock band sporting impressive dual lead guitars, deep organ washes, a solid sense of dynamics, and appropriately gruff, John Kay-like lead vocals from frontman Jim Potkey. All the group really lacked was a set of striking songs, and while the opener, "Waiting, Hesitating," the hard-rocking and bucolic "Back to the Farm," and the ambitious, endlessly shifting eight-minute closing track, "Morning Swallow," all show promise, little else here lingers in the mind after the last note fades. Still, the playing is impressive, particularly the dual lead guitar sound, which was still somewhat innovative in hard rock circles at the time. It would have been interesting to hear what this outfit might have come up with for a second album, but alas, a second go-round in the studio was not to be."

"The eponymous album of this long-forgotten US band was originally released in 1970 on Specialty label (home of Little Richard and Sam Cooke). The music on this excellent, but rather unknown LP is best described as very energetic early heavy rock music (with some British progressive rock influences) full of powerful riffings, spontaneous guitar solos, inventive Hammond organ passages, fine melodies and numerous rhythm changes. The most notable influences were Led Zeppelin, Cream, Steppenwolf, Mountain and Buffalo Springfield. This is necessary listening for all early heavy rock fans! This CD was carefully remastered from the original, analogue source and sounds really great!"~Flawed Gems