King Tuff

Under the name King Tuff, Kyle Thomas has developed from Vermont a solo project rooted in garage rock, glam, power pop and psychedelia, featuring short, melodic songs often driven by distorted guitars. Born in Brattleboro, King Tuff began releasing music in the mid‑2000s, initially in a DIY manner, before the release of Was Dead in 2008. The project receded while Thomas played in other bands—most notably Witch, associated with stoner rock, and Happy Birthday—but regained momentum in the early 2010s. Signing with Sub Pop marked a new phase with King Tuff in 2012, followed by Black Moon Spell in 2014, where pop songwriting combined with a more direct energy, and The Other in 2018, which introduced broader production and more introspective shades. In 2023, Smalltown Stardust continued this evolution with a more spacious sound and arrangements that leave greater room for psych‑pop textures. Alongside King Tuff, Kyle Thomas has also played with Ty Segall in the Muggers and performed regularly across stages in the US, Europe and Australia.