Good bands stay on the path in front of them, but the great ones forge their own trail. With their new album, “After Hours, Close To Dawn”, KINGSWOOD prove they’re part of the latter’s rich, rare lineage: risk-takers who refuse to acknowledge the easy boundaries that demarcate popular music. The Melbourne group have made a record that’s bursting with diverse ideas, extraordinary sounds, and heartfelt emotion.

KINGSWOOD members AlexLaska,Fergus Linacre and Justin Debrincatspent the earlier part of 2016 bunkered down recording the follow up to their ARIA #6 and ARIA nominated 2014 debut Microscopic Wars at the legendary Sound Emporium in Nashville, USA. Owned by musical legend Johnny Cash’s producer Jack Clement – the studio has recorded hit albums from some of the greats, including Robert Plant, Cyndi Lauper, Alabama Shakes andPharell. The new album was produced by English-born and Nashville-based producer Ed Spear, who the band befriended when he engineered Microscopic Wars.

“After Hours, Close To Dawn” puts KINGSWOOD on the front line of innovators. It mixes compelling R&B grooves (“Rebel Babe”), sparse, soaring rock & roll (“Library”), garage exotica (“Alabama White”), seductive soul (“Belle”), and space-age sway (“Atmosphere”). It’s an eclectic set, but the defining element is the through line of the trio’s creative DNA. No matter what shape they take, these songs still instantly suggest KINGSWOOD. They’re a band that looks back to ensure they’re moving forward.