CD : Luang Kai หลวงไก่ - kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng

Luang Kai's 4th album for RS, as you would expect its an album of robust rock-edged songs sung well. The opening title track is a case in point, it ticks all the boxes : steady tune, gritty vocals, big chorus. "Lerk rar mai lerk ruk" has a nice acoustic-rock start to it and then into a very satisfying rock lukthung song. Big chorus again of course. "Saeng fai nai sed fuen" has a nice tinkly piano opening before we are back in rock guitar territory. It follows much of the pattern of the first 2 songs. It may be a bit predictable maybe but it is executed very well.

"Loog nong loog pee" raises the tempo and is an enjoyable faster song with some nice guitar. Luang Kai is best with slower ballads though and "Kayah hua jai" takes us back there. Another song adhering to the blue print. The slow songs are all layered in that they slowly build in tone and volume taking us into the choruses. That is not to say all the songs sound the same but there is a definite strategy which works. Overall its a very quality piece of work. Take a song like "Fah kong mee hed phon" for example, it slowly builds into an irresistable rock chorus. A very good album but few surprises.

Favourite songs : Kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng, Saeng fai nai sed fuen, Fah kong mee hed phon

Rating : 8.5/10