King Tuff released his self-entitled album this week, a welcome addition to his 2008 release Was Dead. Track for track King Tuff demonstrates Kyle Thomas's ability to produce a unique sounds that remains consistent through the entire album. Songs like "Keep On Movin'" illustrates his talent for keeping up the energy and keeping our attention. Other songs, like "Bad Thing," highlight his mastery of guitar and his attention to detail, evident in such a carefully produced release. It is refreshing to hear an artist that actually knows how to play his instrument and knows how he wants it to sound.

King Tuff is now available on Sub Pop Records in both CD and LP formats. In addition to the release, King Tuff posted a video for "Bad Thing." The video features Monsieur Tuff as the villain who lures unsuspecting indie kids into his wax museum turned concert hall. It's not half as confusing as it sounds. The video is evidence that although King Tuff produces top-shelf music, he doesn't take himself too seriously. Known for his sun medallion and kooky outfits, he creates an image for himself that seems more like his natural state rather than some forced persona. The closing shots of the "Bad Thing" video where the band rocks out in full monster make-up proves that these lads make good music, great videos, and if they put as much effort into their live act as they do for their videos, a really good show.

In support of the new release, King Tuff will be heading out on tour this summer, co-headlining some dates with Jaill. Notable nights include Seattle's Capitol Hill Block Party on July 22nd and St. Louis's LouFest on August 25th.

5/31 - Visalia, CA - Cellar Door
6/01 - Oakland, CA - New Parish
6/09 - Brooklyn, NY - 285 Kent*
6/10 - New Haven, CT - Intercambrio*
6/12 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's*
6/13 - Baltimore, MD - Golden West Cafe*
6/14 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwells*#
6/15 - Burlington, VT - Signal Kitchen*
6/17 - Easthampton, MA - Flywheel*
7/05 - Long Beach, CA - Alex's Bar
7/06 - Tucson, AZ - Plush*
7/07 - Las Cruces, NM - Train Yard
7/09 - Austin, TX - Red 7 (Patio)#
7/10 - Dallas, TX - City Tavern#
7/11 - Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz#
7/12 - Nashville, TN - Stone Fox#
7/13 - Bloomington, IN - Russian Recording#
7/14 - Cleveland, OH - Now That's Class^
7/17 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club**
7/21 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret**
7/22 - Seattle, WA - Capitol Hill Block Party**
7/23 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir**
7/25 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's**
7/26 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill**
7/27 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo**
7/28 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar**
8/25 - St. Louis, MO - LouFest
*w/ Habibi
**w/ Jaill
#w/ Natural Child

Also watch the video for "Bad Thing." It's like "The Monster Mash" for big kids: