Dream pop rockers Kral Majales have just teased us with the four-track EP, “Belief In Beauty.” The EP is the first of three such releases that the band have planned to put out this year, so they aren’t leaving the studio (AKA “Zach Mazurkiewicz’ place by Cam Corey & Marshall’s house”) anytime soon.
The four-piece, Fredericton-based group, hail from all over New Brunswick, and with just over two years under their belt and are ready to unleash this torrent of music… three or four songs at a time.
Subject to the rigours of youth, the members of Kral Majales have documented in “Belief in Beauty” the trials and tribulations they have experienced as young adults. It is the musical incident report of few unweathered souls.
“These songs are all based on relationships and the experiences of early adulthood. They’re also about the changes we went through growing up in small towns and cities,” says bassist Matthew Blanchard.
“Floating World” opens up the EP and pardon the cliche, but it makes for an excellent summer, sunny day driving track. If you do decide to listen while driving, just make sure you don’t, “Close your eyes. Rest your mind.”
“Jigoku” is a more slow-paced musing on the experience of growing apart from people and things that resonated with you when you were younger. “I miss the people I used to hang around, but I seem to outgrow everything I love.”
The third track “Small Letters” is brighter, with a dose of angst written into the song’s lyrics. There is just the slightest whiff of a Nirvana grunge influence. Of all the tracks on the album this is the further to venture away from dream pop and into the rock genre.
The EP finishes strong with “The Come Up,” a bittersweet, pop-rock anthem, bright in its delivery, but serious in its subject matter. It encapsulates the inextricable highs and lows of youthful turmoil in one fell swoop.
“Belief in Beauty” offers a wide-eyed perspective on life. It’s exciting. It’s dreamy. It probably indulges in overbuilt pedalboards, but leaves us wondering what else will come out of Zach Mazurkiewicz’ place.