Single of the week Golden Ego by Kingdom This trio are led by one of Swindon’s most talented songwriters, James Duke, and this new single reflects his versatility and skill in crafting a little gem out of each song - yet when strung together they are a perfect match.

There are four tracks on the CD kicking off with a strong pop rock song called Let Go. It has a catchy chorus, some jazzy keyboards in the middle and some classy guitar from Rich Christopher.

Golden Ego is the title track. It has a ballad intro that builds into a Phantom of the Opera-style anthem with an angel choir backing. The organ and synth piano highlight a highly dramatic storyline with tension oozing out of every note. The machinegun drums from Simon Needler power across the song blending perfectly with the melodic bass from James and storm blast guitar from RIch. James’ has a glorious resonating voice that echoes across the soundscape creating bold and colourful pictures out of his music.

What I Wanna Be is a rock pop tune that simply bounces along. It has a dancey beat and is a summer hit that you can imagine singing along to as you are driving in the sunshine with the windows down. Kingdom are a tight outfit yet this track has a more freestyle feel.

Catch 22 makes this three-piece band sound like a five piece, thundering into a pop song with rock bite. Again we have James’ catchy trademark hook that makes his songs so widely accessible. Rich gives some bluesy guitar and Simon some high kicking drums in a song that perfectly showcases James’ professional songwriting and vocals.

Some day soon the A & R boys are going to be beating a path to James’ door for his songs and in the meantime I am looking forward to the album.

_ Flicky Harrison