Under the Fog cover

Released 20 years ago

Under the Fog

The King Blues · 2006

38 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A spirited blend of ska, punk, and folk that delivers sharp social commentary through infectious melodies and rhythm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blood on My Hands — This track captures the band's raw energy and urgent message about personal responsibility and societal issues, setting the tone for the album's thematic direction.
  • →
    Sound of Revolt — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, this song epitomizes the band's call for social change, resonating deeply with listeners seeking empowerment.
  • →
    Come Fi Di Youth — This track emphasizes community and youth empowerment through its vibrant instrumentation and relatable lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to blend genres effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic genre blending and social commentary but lacks some cohesion in its sequencing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a lively tone before transitioning into the first full track, which features a rapid tempo and prominent brass instrumentation.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music and encouraging listener participation.
  • The last two tracks feature a notable shift in mood; 'Getting Out of Here / My Girl Lollipop' combines an upbeat ska rhythm with a nostalgic cover, creating a celebratory conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • spirited anthems for group sing-alongs
  • short bursts of rebellious energy
  • cathartic release through social commentary
  • engaging tracks with infectious rhythms

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • seek subdued, mellow listening

Where this album fits

Career context
Under the Fog is The King Blues' debut album, released in 2006 after their formation in 2004. At this point, they were establishing their unique sound and political voice within the UK music scene, drawing from a rich tapestry of genres while reflecting on contemporary issues.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • We Ain't Never Done

    The bridge shifts from a collective rallying cry to a more personal declaration of resilience against adversity.

    This transition not only highlights individual determination but also reinforces the communal spirit that permeates throughout the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 2:42
  • 2 Blood on My Hands 3:18
  • 3 We Ain't Never Done 3:38
  • 4 Mr Music Man 2:30
  • 5 Come Fi Di Youth 4:32
  • 6 Sound of Revolt 2:45
  • 7 If I Had a Coin... 2:55
  • 8 Chimp in a 3 Piece Suit 2:20
  • 9 Duck and Cover 1:17
  • 10 Taking Over 2:42
  • 11 Getting Out of Here / My Girl Lollipop 9:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata