No More Kings’ debut album is more than just music: It is an epic album full of complex characters and unique story lines.
In their self-titled album, No More Kings combines the vaudeville sound of Tenacious D with mellow Maroon 5 style vocals. The result is a fresh and enjoyable album infused with just the right amount of pop-culture references.
Front man Pete Mitchell runs the show with a likable personality that spills into every song he sings.
According to the band’s Web site, Mitchell describes the album as a “thank-you letter to the ’80s,” and it lives up to this description with more pop-culture references than a VH1 show.
“Someday” references M.C. Hammer, the Beastie Boys and Darth Vader in only a few witty lines. Another song, “Leaving Lilliput,” follows the plight of Gulliver as he is held prisoner by 6-inch tall people with the lines, “Kept like a zeppelin, tethered to the ground so I won’t fly away.”
Don’t be fooled by the light pop-culture references. Mitchell succeeds where bands such as Bowling for Soup have failed. The material never annoys the listener and rarely goes flat. Except for one song near the end – “Umbrella” – the album plays smoothly.
The album opens with the college-rock song “Zombie Me,” which comes complete with zombie noises in the background. The lyrics are fun and set to catchy beats. The listener is next taken on a dramatic ride through the lives of the album’s characters.
In “About Schroeder,” the Peanuts character ignores the love of others for that of his piano. “Mr. B” explores the relationship between work and love through the eyes of a busy bee. “Sweep The Leg” retells the movie “The Karate Kid” from the perspective of bad-guy Johnny.
What makes the album stand out is the addition of alternative musical instruments. Banjos, pianos, violins and even a trumpet on songs such as “Someday” contribute to the dramatic storytelling of the album.
Highlights include “Zombie Me” and “Leaving Lilliput,” but the 2-minute piano ballad “About Schroeder” steals the show. “About Schroeder” is the softest song, but the piano and the lyrics make it the most memorable.
Although it might not be the most mature album, No More Kings’ debut is for anyone in the mood for creative, pop music. And hey, any album that successfully includes zombie grunts is worth a listen.
Elizabeth Mathis can be reached at [email protected].
