Album Review: Celestial Gold – Kung Fu Jesus

Kung Fu Jesus can be described as The Sex Pistols of the 21st century – minus the painful head banging punk and screeching vocals. Their signature sound of rhythms from all corners of this planet and beach boys-style harmonies haven’t slipped under the radar.  Their song, “King Lines” was featured in hit BBC TV show “Being Human” as well as receiving radio play from Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6.

But what topped off their airy take on alternative rock are the prophetic lyrics covering anything from invoking social awareness and injustice to spiritual ideology. Their latest album, “Celestial Gold” expresses that technology is taken over society through the second track “Smartphone”. While there’s detest for the handheld device, there’s also contrasting arrangements of soul-lifting new wave and rock.

These Scottish alternative rockers are not just forthcoming with their opinions as there are fearless use of light, rock steady reggae and salsa with a kick of funk in “Rainbow Road” and “Ferris Wolf”. Just I was getting use to the 80s style new wave/rock fusion (with an occasional reggae), out of nowhere an explosion of electronic pop/dance bassline appears in track “I’m On Fire.” Continuing the electronic pop drive, “God Thunder” also features Afro beat-inspired tones, which give the recording a vibrant club filling edge.

“Golden One” is by far the best track; it signs off the album perfectly with seriously funky and angelically light soulful tones with the chorus strongly resembling The Limit’s 80s hit, “Say Yeah”.

Anyone who has the similar spirit of the Sex Pistols and can produce heavenly and mesmerising compositions deserves your full and undivided attention. Kung Fu Jesus has undoubtedly achieved this formula with their eyes closed.

Listen to “Celestial Gold” via SoundCloud.