With a name like King Hawkins, I came in expecting either blues or psychedelic rock and while I wasn’t entirely off, I know that from this moment forward I can expect the unexpected instead from this enigmatic new artist. 

With some of the most unique vocals you’ve heard in a hot minute, King Hawkins infuses a nearly baroque and post-postmodern spirit into an undeniably imposing and classic blues foundation that feels absolutely out of this world. Gaslight is quite literally an insane debut single that had my neck hair standing on end even after a 3rd listening, something that is as much a praise of King himself as it is of the extremely refined production of this debut track.

Producer Cat Lewis comments, “King has such a soulful and timeless voice, and depending on the era he’s tapping into creatively it evokes so many influences, emotions, and moments in time. it made so much sense to do a project that allows the soul of the music to transcend decades + genres, with King’s voice being the common thread.”

“And that’s why I feel
My reality isn’t real
From all of the truth that you steal”

This track is of course about gaslighting as a practice, the preferred method of torture of narcissistic personalities that can and has absolutely destroyed the minds of countless victims all over the world. it’s a nasty practice where the perpetrator can make you lose track of reality and even your sense of self, so it’s kind of crazy that a song about this objectively evil behavior actually goes this hard. 

King Hawkins reflects on Gaslight, remarking, “Gaslight is about how easy it is for others to convince you that your thoughts are wrong. It’s about examining the power of words and the effect those words can have on people. It’s meant to be an honest conversation, especially when sometimes (whether you realize it or not), you’re actually the one messing with someone else’s head.”

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