Shifting gears to dissect the gutting realization that the ideal self is out of arm’s reach and is only getting further away with each bad decision, Krooked Kings—a five-piece Utah-born indie pop band—released their new single, “My Friend Max.” This single takes a different route than their love- and yearning-driven singles “Rancher’s Daughter” and “Parking Lot.”
Krooked Kings, composed of Oli Martin (vocals, guitar), Paul Colgan (guitar), David Macey (keyboardist), Matt Monosson (bass) and Quinn Casper (drums), is redefining their artistry with new singles ahead of their forthcoming album In Another Life, out March 27. From Martin starting this project in his college basement in 2018 to him recruiting a full band that grew to have millions of streams and sold-out shows across Utah, Krooked Kings is ready to start a new chapter. This new era is fueled by a developed confidence and an itch to dig deeper emotionally.
“My Friend Max” reveals a side of Krooked Kings that’s utterly vulnerable, introspective and reflective of what it means to grow into different versions of yourself, even when they are far from what you’ve imagined. The single is saturated with the heartbreaking realization that the sacred, futuristic version of yourself isn’t the version you grew into after all—leaving you scrambling to find simple pleasure in the drowning hopelessness of it all.
Feeling the weight of being this unideal person after failing to find the strength to reach your fullest potential may send you down a path of seeking temporary satisfaction. Reverting to harmful habits, such as reaching for a temporary high or a numbing drink, only creates short-lived moments of relaxation—not a permanent solution.
Although a shiny sliver of hope from others believing in you is still flickering, it’s slowly dimming as you come to the firm conclusion that the form you take now is who you are and who you always will be. Buried in self-doubt and discomfort, your ideal self becomes more and more unachievable as you start believing and repeating “I don’t see what they see in me / I’m not who I was meant to be,” unable to break through the mental stubbornness of feeling like an imposter.
The heaviness of this merciless introspective take on one’s place in life is backed by a bright, smooth electric guitar paired with digestible, steady drums. It’s a sound you wouldn’t particularly expect with lyrics of this dark caliber, but one that retains the Krooked Kings’ signature indie pop charm. The moody contrast of the lyrics and instrumental sound anticipates a newly discovered door of possibilities for this band, suggesting that perhaps In Another Life is a packaged album that thrives with similar exploration.
Keep up with Krooked Kings: Spotify // Instagram // Facebook
