An album truly with no rules

Through gritted synths and crashing elements, Queen Kwong presents her most recent album, Couples Only. Featuring elements ranging from dirty roadhouse blues to ’80s bubblegum, this album takes listeners on many different twists and turns

Carré Callaway, or rather Carré Kwong Callaway, found her way onto the musical realm at age 17 when she was discovered by Nine Inch Nails Lead, Trent Reznor. From there, her musical career began with her opening for Nine Inch Nails in 2005. Taking a break, Callaway removed herself from the musical light, later re-emerging in her final form: Queen Kwong. Releasing her first EP Bad Lieutenant in 2013, Callaway gained quick notoriety. Her 2015 release Get a Witness found its way to the UK Top albums of 2015 with frequent plays across BBC Radio 1. Couples Only comes in as Queen Kwong’s fifth album following her 2019 EP release Oh Well.

Interesting is an understatement with this record, but not exactly in a bad way. The first track, “I Know Who You Are” starts with a calm rising synth piano and gentle vocals, but everything takes a drastic switch. A gritty bass line drops in along with slamming percussion and sharp electric guitar. There is an eeriness to the song, accompanied by a strong sense of power. The only real off-putting thing about this song is a screeching guitar that peeks through with every hook, making for an uncomfortable listen-through at times. Standing as a juxtaposition to the crashing musical soundscape are her calmly welcoming vocal lines filled with a breathy airiness that beacons.

Features a modern twist on roadhouse 12-bar blues, “No Rules” bends musical rules playing along with the no rules title. There is a mixture of electronic and synth elements woven throughout the track, all driven within the blues template. The song almost seems to play tricks, sounding like the listener has had a few drinks, and music hits the ears warped and distorted.  

“Stanley (RIP)” leaves behind the crashing power of the previous songs and turns to the mesmerizingly calm and luring. There is such beauty within the simple ambiance of the guitar that gently plucks along, joined with the angelic vocal line. As the title states RIP, the song offers an almost physical and mental peace.

Ending the album with a bang, “Without You, Whatever” brings the energy with a wonderfully ’80s feel. Though the track is an upbeat and boppy song, it seems to lose the gritty industrial power featured throughout this album. Would have preferred to have the album come to a close with the same darkness featured instead of the seemingly bubblegum pop tone.  

Again, interesting is an understatement with Couples Only. The album is a bit of an acquired taste, however totally worth the experience and listen.