Time King
Written by: Cait Elizabeth - June 2019
Edited by: Travis Ryan
Introductions
Time King is a prog rock band full of unexpected whimsy and nerdy nods to pop culture. Their sound features streaks of pop punk angst running through elaborate compositions. Comprised of Brandon Dove (guitar), James Meslin (bass), Matthew Nazario (drums), Shayne Plunkett (guitar/vocals), and Kalvin Rodriguez (vocals), the band describes themselves as “if prog rock was a zany/drunken house-party band in which the members were all insufferable jazz snobs.” Fortunately these members have been on the same page from the beginning, dedicated to creating music crafted by the team as a whole. “A song doesn’t make the cut unless it has been shaped and molded to perfectly and fairly fit everyone’s vision,” they shared.
One Time King song that’s particularly meaningful to the band is called “Take Cover” off of their album Suprœ. Written about Hurricane Katrina, this was the group’s first time writing music that combined their direct experiences in such a way. They’ve also released an EP called Frontierland, part of their 1955 Collection, which repeatedly draws ties back to the happiest place on Earth—you know, the one ruled by a squeaky mouse. A handful of stellar singles, some first class nerdy covers (I truly appreciated the Cowboy Bebop theme), and a collaboration with our friends It Came From Space have been released as well. With promises of new music on the horizon, Time King fans wait with bated breath.
Tours & Shows
Time King has made several appearances across the Northeast, popping up in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan as well as New York. Michigan played host to some of their wildest shows; “it’s like another world over there,” the band reports (in a glazed eyes kind of way, I imagine).
Influences & Inspiration
The 1955 Collection draws inspiration from the dawning era of Disney. July 17, 1955 marked the birth of a land celebrating futurism, nostalgia, and magic. The collection features multiple EPs and stand alone singles, all harking back to a place in time and space where possibilities seemed limitless.
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