Album Review: No More Kings

Album Lineup: Pete Mitchell (vox), Neil Robins (guitar, bass, keys, cello, percussion), Jeremy Burchett (drums, percussion), Adam Degraide (bass) and David Claasen (fiddle, violin)

Band Lineup: Pete Mitchell, Beau Burtnick, Daivd Grant, Tim Maglothin, Christian Wojcik and Josh Taylor

Location: Los Angeles, CA

While some people may not immediately recognize the name No More Kings, it is likely they will have already seen the band’s video for their Internet-hit single, Sweep the Leg, which was a top-ranked feature on You Tube earlier this year. Paying homage to the Karate Kid, the song tells of the misunderstood, star-struck bully and former Cobra Kai fighter, Johnny Lawrence, whose karate career ended with Daniel Larusso’s crane kick. Just following the orders of a relentless Sensei during that fight, he pleads for redemption. Billy Zabka, reviving his role as the now middle age and disenchanted Johnny Lawrence, writes and directs the video which reunites some of the cast mates including Ralph Maccio and Martin Kove, though not all appear in their former roles. (Saved By the Bell’s Dennis Haskin’s also has a role in the introduction)

Vocalist Pete Mitchell and producer/guitarist Neil Robins wrote the self-titled thirteen track debut, which Mitchell calls a “thank you letter to the 80s.” More than half of the album is humorous and imaginative pop funk-rock tracks, some similarly paying tribute to vintage pop culture, and almost all from a first-hand perspective. Zombie Me narrates the singer’s transformation to the undead. In Michael (Jump In), Kit, the talking car whose voice was originally supplied by actor William Daniels on the show Knightrider, urges disillusioned Michael to help save the world. Leaving Lilliput is told from the point of view of the giant of Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels. On these faster tracks, wah-wah and bluesy guitar, atmospheric synths and strings, thick drums and backing harmonies compliment Mitchell’s soulful vocals and playful lyrics. Though, the tracks Someday, Mr. B. and even Michael (Jump In), it is pop rock to the point of being Disney-esque.

The rest of the album is mostly forgettable ballads which include the lonely, lounge-styled About Schroeder, the heavier Umbrella and This, and at least the more memorable accordion-accompanied Girl in the Sea. Mitchell and Robins appear to do better with faster tracks. And, even when performing for small audiences, No More Kings unleash loads of energy, sound fit for bigger venues, and visible comradery, making it clear that this is a band that enjoys what they’re doing. But, while it was something of a novelty act that has helped the band to achieve its major initial successes, it might take a more personal direction to keep them there.

(featured in this clip is the newer version of Sweep the Leg)