Is this really the 15th KING'S X album? My, how time flies. And truthfully, it is an awkward moment in the career of the Texas trio, considering that their last effort, "Ogre Tones" has been largely considered their big comeback (hell, this reviewer for one had lost track of them right after "Ear Candy"). Even so, the concept of a KING'S X "comeback" is a bit of a stretch considering that, regardless of the quality of the band's output, the mere fact that they've been at it for at least as long as I've been on this planet is something that no naysayer can take away from them.

Fortunately, "XV" is unmistakably KING'S X. Everything from the vintage 1988 guitar tone to Doug Pinnick's dynamite vocals is flawlessly preserved. This time around, though, the songs have a more laid-back approach than the fire we heard on "Ogre Tones", though "Rocket Ship" and "Love and Rockets (Hell's Screaming)" do serve as exceptions. Not to worry, though, because there's plenty of soul-stirring anthems like "Pray" and "Go Tell Somebody" that bring that classic flavor we all know and love. Beyond that, things remain fresh with the poignant and all-too-relevant "Broke" and the freestyle blues of album closer "No Lie".

If there is one significant complaint to be made, it's the fact that Ty Tabor was given lead vocal duties on literally half the album. His vocals have always worked well when paired with Doug's, but alone he tends to sound a bit too TOAD THE WET SPROCKET to these ears. It doesn't help that his tracks are the most somber and least interesting on the album. At the very least, they foresaw this problem and intentionally set the album up so each singer's songs fades into those of the other, which helps keep the album unified.

That one minor gripe aside, words cannot express how great it is to hear KING'S X still going strong after all this time. In the end, there's far more right about "XV" than wrong about it, and even though their earlier work will never be equaled (and any expectations for them to do so are ridiculously unrealistic), it's clear that they've still got plenty of good stuff to offer even 15 albums into their career. The only question remaining is how to keep occupied until May 20…

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.kingsxrocks.com

RELATED ITEMS: Peace Talk interview: Ty Tabor, 2005