California’s alt rock outfit King of Cups encapsulates the struggle between self-preservation and emotional growth on “Keeper of the Flame”. Fueled by the band’s high energy, pop-punk charisma, and anthemic choruses, King of Cups delivers another emotional earworm that also adds a new dimension to the band’s evolution.
Previous releases took inspiration from the elements that make up the world-at-large whereas “Keeper of the Flame” showcases King of Cups altering their gaze to looking inward. Released on May 17, “Keeper of the Flame” explores the struggle to overcome the instinct to keep up emotional barriers and the fallout that comes from concealing vulnerability. Inspired by a transformative experience that affected the band’s frontman Sugar Shaun, the track explores the deep need for support, and the feeling of freedom after letting your true self shine.
Every release marks a new layer of the band’s evolving identity, and the latest single demonstrates their commitment to mining the depths of their own inner conflicts to be shared with the listener. With a strong foundation of signature soaring guitar by BryGuy that feel at home with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and early 2000s pop-punk mainstays, “Keeper of the Flame” remains sonically accessible while also significantly resonant in its lyrical content.
“Keeper of the Flame” is a new chapter for King of Cups as they break new boundaries for themselves and express emotional vulnerability against the human instinct to create defensive distance. The latest single is a strong introduction to the next iteration of King of Cups, one that is unafraid and always ready to rock.
Connect with King of Cups:
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Youtube
Website
Bio:
King of Cups are a rising force in the modern alt scene, reinvented from their former incarnation Black It Out and reborn from the ashes of Scarlet’s Sonata with explosive results.
The Pop-Rock / Pop-Punk / Emo-Pop duo of Sugar Shaun and BryGuy deliver ear-hook riffs, soaring melodies, and shout-along lyrics, amplified by the thunderous low end of bassist Tyler Wolter and the high-octane precision from drummer Kevin Prince of Drummer101. Influenced by Story Of The Year, Jimmy Eat World, Life On Repeat, and Senses Fail, King of Cups have carved out a magnetic, unmistakable sound that hits hard and sticks.
Their momentum is undeniable, earning attention from radio stations worldwide including KRXQ 98 Rock, Alyx Plays Punk, and Squatch In The Pit. They’ve shared stages with national acts like Mozart Season and Heartshed, and their music has been featured in outlets such as New Noise, Vents Magazine, Music Crowns, and more.
At their core, King of Cups write music that speaks directly to those who need it most. Their critically acclaimed single “Lighthouse” was praised by Real Gone Rocks as “pretty much perfect,” and with the highly anticipated Elemental album on the horizon, the buzz around the band continues to build as they gear up to take the world by storm.
So don’t wait, join the movement. Follow King of Cups and get swept up in their unstoppable energy, unforgettable hooks, and the electrifying ride that’s only just getting started.
