Krooked Kings unseals the gentler edges of their sound with “My Friend Max,” a song that shows Salt Lake City indie rockers rein in their dramatic tendencies without eliminating the emotional depth that has long anchored them. The band Oli Martin vocals/guitar, Paul Colgan guitar, David Macey keyboards, Matt Monosson bass, and Quinn Casper drums has always been an expert at turning out songs that sound like personal tales. Still, this one feels like a handwritten note exchanged through a sea of people.
The song is a delicate balancing act, It’s bright and tender, with the weight of full, honest feeling. That emotional tug is a calling card for Krooked Kings, and here, “My Friend Max” demonstrates that they can explore new textures without losing the sweet earnestness that makes their music so approachable. It’s the sort of track that doesn’t scream for attention, it just levitates in the air and forces you to sit down and listen.
The songwriting credits list a team effort among family, with input from David Macey, Josh Wei, Matt Monosson, Oliver Martin Parker, Paul Colgan, and Quinn Casper, as well as producer Yves Rothman. The end product is a sound that feels both of-the-moment and warmly lived-in, like a favorite record just now revealing its deepest grooves.
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