From out of the ashes of Trident Waters, guitarist/singer/songwriter Andrew Knightley recently launched his new eponymously titled project AK & The Red Kites together with Rob Hoey on bass and Ash Sims on drums.
AK & The Red Kites
The Giffard Arms – 25 April 2025
Words: Sophie James
Photography: Sandis Luttropp
Having a self-declared eclectic range as a songwriter and musician, Andrew’s material ranges from full-on high-tempo hard rockers to panoramic swamp vibes with incursions into country and blues rock territory in the vein of Rival Sons, Greta Van Fleet and ZZ Top. I, however, detect additional influences that will become apparent throughout this narrative. 
With a six-track EP Proverbial Storm, overseen by multi-platinum-selling producer Mike Krompass, under their belts, this was my first opportunity to catch the trio, coming as it does after the announcement that Andrew has joined forces with the outstanding The Dust Coda following the shock departure of luminary John Drake.
The peeling guitar above a pulsating Audioslave-esque intro accompanied by swirling mists of dry ice makes for a rare atmospheric entrance in this compact venue. 
Devil’s Stomp does just as its name suggests, which is to electrify the rhythm of the swamp. It builds to a point where the guitar is completely unshackled from the restraints of the studio, while Rob’s mellifluous bass breakdown provides a fluid contrast and is all too short.
Cosmic Train brings hyper-electrified ZZ cadences into an urban environment where Andrew’s guitar soars on a flight of eargasmic indulgence.
Can’t You See is announced as an unreleased number with “more surprises to follow,” and on first listening, it is a thrusting punky/new wave flavoured mix. 
The titular Proverbial Storm is hugely, I say again, hugely infectious superheavy funk rock where the reoccurring intonation in Andrew’s vocals lies twixt the mellow edge of Chris Cornell and those of Richie Kotzen.
Andrew donning the Les Paul returns the band to the ‘backWaters’ for the buoyant Route 1 RnR party anthem Good Time Roller, which got the tailfeathers shaking. Throw in a jolly good singalong, too; what more could you possibly want on a Friday night?
The staccato rhythm and whipcrack snare of Baby Don’t Love Me cuts the air while the chain-gang cadence handclaps further emphasises its blues heritage. The fluidity of the playing and tone on the Les Paul would ideally suit a more acoustically forgiving venue to be truly appreciated, but it was striking here nevertheless.
“Are you ready to get your dancing shoes on? Don’t be shy. It’s a Friday night.”
Even in the live environment, the influence of a multi-platinum selling producer oozes through the melodies and other subtleties of the pulsating Tear It Up with the heavy wah-wah, emphasising its rock pedigree.
“This is our most streamed song to date. Slash Playlisted it. He probably didn’t choose it, but he put his name to it.”
The peeling intro evolving into a grinding riff preludes Stronger’s perfect amalgam of modern pop intonations steeped in rich, weighty blues that develop into a rousing anthem. The expressive Les Paul is the cherry on top. Together with its predecessor and Proverbial Storm, this could easily sit in the Richie/Smith-Kotzen/Winery Dogs songbook. Yes, it’s that good.
The delightfully titled Karmic Rituals saw Andrew simulate a delay effect when Mr Resident Soundman had already nailed it. Thanks were expressed.
With a beat from the same stable as Kiss’ Rock n Roll All Nite, it would be irresistible not to indulge in a snippet of that classic before it blossoms into Trident Waters’ Control The Animal – a song that was afforded a Kevin Shirley remix no less.
The number continues to ascend until it reaches a most delectable breakdown whereby the call and response between Andrew’s vocals and guitar borders on the insolent.
Set closer, Wolf Moon is equal parts brooding, pulsating and soaring, its towering riff ascending over a bass that rumbles so flowingly. The overall effect produces a soundscape which I can only describe as a thunderous delta blues-raised hybrid of Audioslave and Soundgarden.
Containing the line “Fly higher Than the Mountains” as well as referencing the avian segment of the band’s name, it is unsurprising that the lead soars and swoops as it synchronises with the undulation of the personally inspiring lyrics.
A most striking way to conclude the evening’s proceedings. 
While I have not singled him out previously, one must not forget Ash’s piledriving contribution, the robust foundation on which everything else is constructed.
Even if the numbers gathered were disappointing, those present truly appreciated a performance that the band could consider a triumph.
If muddy blues-inspired, weightily rhythmed, mainstream-tinged rock ‘n’ roll is your thing, then look no further than AK & The Red Kites.
The diverse range of influences spanning the debut EP transfers so impeccably into the live setting, colouring the traditional chords and shaping a sound that belies the trio’s structure.
With an album in the can plus plenty of other ideas to bear fruit, keep your eyes and ears open for this multi-layered and most satisfying outfit.
