Crash Kings

The Crash Kings originated in Los Angeles in 2006, fusing Muse’s expansive rock & roll intensity with the keyboard-centered pop approach of Ben Folds Five. The project was conceived by brothers Tony Beliveau, who handled vocals and keyboards, and Mike Beliveau on bass; the siblings had performed together throughout their lives and sought to generate rock’s large-scale sonic force without employing guitars. They brought in drummer Jason Morris, already acquainted with the pair from earlier groups, and began composing material. Thick bass fuzz, a clavinet fitted with a whammy bar, and the brothers’ instinctive interplay enabled the songs to take shape rapidly. Momentum increased after Tony’s unplanned introduction to producer Linda Perry, formerly of 4 Non Blondes. Following a live performance she signed the band to her Custard Records label and arranged for them to record with Dave Sardy, the producer known for his work with Oasis. The self-titled debut album Crash Kings was issued in 2009 on Custard Records.