In my ongoing internet search for good music, I found KingBathmat’s website www.kingbathmat.com, which immediately drew my attention. KingBathmat is the alias of John Bassett, a Brittish musician who likes to be in control. He wrote, recorded, produced, promoted and distributed his second album Crowning Glory all by himself. I know that this doesn’t sound very promising since the average self produced album has a lot of shortcomings, but after listening to the sound samples on the website I just had to have his album.

This forty minute album features ten songs which are all very melodic and rhythmic. The sound on the album is amazing. Defining KingBathmat’s music requires a dissection of every single track. This indicates the genius of the man as well as the wide range of inspirational sources he used.

You might think that this diversity of sources leads to a collection of very different songs on one album, but just the opposite is the case. The genius of KingBathmat lies in the way in which he combines all these different influences into very accessible songs. Crowning Glory is an album which will appeal to a lot of people and I have no doubt that this guy could make it all the way. I however bet that KingBathmat doesn’t aim for commercial success and will remain a little shining diamond in a world full of illuminated artists. Take the effort to look at Bassett’s internet site, listen to his sound files and be convinced that this is great stuff.