The Maffa Kings

The Maffa Kings

The Maffa Kings are a UK rock group from the Midlands in England. The band starts as a personal project between founding guitarists Craig Johnson and Rich Wosik, then expands into a five-piece with the addition of vocalist Lee Moran, bassist Daz Hollingworth and drummer Owen Walton.

Sound and style

The Maffa Kings play a blend of rock with soul, reggae, grunge, metal and funk influences. Their music is described as a dark, pseudo-southern and rocked-up fusion, with a bare-knuckle approach and a heavy live sound. Their material includes emotional and mysterious lyrics, and their recordings are described in terms of stratospheric and heavy dynamics.

Members

Lee Moran provides lead vocals and is associated with evocative, fiery lyrics. Craig Johnson plays lead guitar and contributes piercing guitar work and solos. Rich Wosik plays rhythm guitar and adds harmonic rhythm parts and vocal work. Daz Hollingworth plays bass guitar and brings reggae-influenced bass grooves. Owen Walton plays drums and is noted for a heavy, fast style; he has also worked with a range of rock drummers including players from Manson, Norma Jean and Adam and the Ants.

Releases and performances

The band has three critically acclaimed releases and performs both as a headline act and in support slots. It plays sold-out international shows, including appearances at the Torreveija Rock festival in Spain. The band also releases the EP Writing the Wrongs, which includes a radio-edited version of its most popular track, Lust to Licks.

Live profile

The Maffa Kings are known for strong audience response and for supporting acts including New York’s Glint and London’s Band of Skulls.