With a befitting name, King Straggler grind off the sort of bedraggled, roots-tinged rock that serve both the sophisticated and those who sleep `til noon, dreaming of a beer breakfast. The democratic trio consists of John Hawks, Rodney Eastman and Brentley Gore, each sharing the singing and songwriting duties. Secondary to fact that two of the trio are Hollywood actors of note, King Straggler shies from presenting itself as a vanity project as their eclectic style hint at a variety of influences. Touching on quirky indie-pop, tongue-in-cheek folk-country, rootsy power-ballads, swaggary and sonically driven lag-rock, this self-titled debut has both an intriguing and entertaining flow throughout. Championed by, and recorded in the studio of, Scott Weiland, the band has been described as "Engaging and disarming...intelligent and wry...infectious and heartfelt...running the gamut from bitter-sweet and introspective to ironic, humorous and profane." -- Ben Nachman, Music Connection (Authentica Records)
