Ones To Watch: Queen Kwong - GigslutzGigslutz

Backed by a band made up of Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, former Marilyn Manson bassist Fred Sablan and Awol Nation drummer Hayden Scott, LA-based Queen Kwong, aka Carré Callaway, are blowing minds – and perhaps bursting eardrums – with a superbly menacing, no holds barred, punk rock. Having been discovered by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor at just 17, Carré is leading the group to dizzying heights, with unforgettable live shows.

Gaining the interest of various DJs – including Zane Lowe and Daniel P Carter – as well as The Cure’s Roger O’Donnell, Queen Kwong are totally uncompromising. As O’Donnell puts it, they’re a “blatant protest at the “sanitisation” of Rock”; and he’s not wrong. With their new release ‘Cold Daggers’, Queen Kwong prove themselves to be a true embodiment of rock: it’s sleazy, noisy and aggressive – with psychedelic guitars, brutal vocals and a killer rhythm section – and perfectly accompanied by Carré’s undeniable beauty.

Alongside the release of ‘Cold Daggers’, Queen Kwong are returning to the UK to play Brighton’s Great Escape and Reading & Leeds festivals. After an incredible – but unsurprisingly – successful four show residency in London, Queen Kwong left audiences mesmerised, and eagerly awaiting more. They will no doubt be welcomed back with open arms.

‘Cold Daggers’ is out 17 May via Dissention Records and Artist MGMT.

Melissa Svensen
@MelYeaahh