Kottonmouth Kings in Dirtball’s home turf

Published 5:00 am Friday, August 19, 2011

The “Info” section of Kottonmouth Kings’ Facebook profile touts a “metamorphosis” happening in the California-based rap/rock band’s camp over the past few years.

That fuel for that change? According to the same page, it’s Central Oregon’s own The Dirtball, aka David Alexander, a rapid-fire rapper and drummer who joined the Kings last year after releasing a handful of solo albums on KMK’s label.

The result? A newfound “creative firepower” in the Kings and a sound that’s “now constantly evolving.” As evidence, the band points to its newest album “The Sunrise Sessions,” which features more reggae influence than previous KMK albums and a heavy dose of dubstep’s wobbly whomp.

Not all is evolving in the Kings’ world, however. The group is still as weed-focused as ever; www.kottonmouthkings.com is almost comically packed with references to marijuana, both in its appearance and text. And KMK is still one of the most successful independent music acts of the past 15 years, with more than two million albums sold and a huge, loyal fan base.

Kottonmouth Kings, with The Dirtball, Kingspade, Johnny Richter, D-Loc and more ; 8 p.m. Monday, doors open 7 p.m.; $16 plus fees in advance, $19 at the door. Advance ticket outlets listed at the website below; Domino Room, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.randompresents.com.

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