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No More Kings’ self-titled debut is one fine listen. The sound is fresh and innovative, the vocals are buttery and the musicianship is brilliant. The lyrics are extremely original and, at times, completely off the wall. And they’re included in the liner notes along with some very creative artwork.
It opens up with “Zombie Me.” This track is extremely catchy and had me singing along on the first listen. Mitchell’s vocals are smooth with an impressive range and the lyrics here had me busting a gut. “Sweep the Leg” is danceable with excellent backup vocals and a nice strong bass line. “Someday” is sweet with captivating lyrics and a synergistic mix of horns, strings and keys. “Girl in the Sea” is laid back with a nice beat featuring some truly delightful violin stylings by David Classen and the talented David Martin singing backup. “Old Man Walking” conjures a remarkably vivid image of what it’s like to go grocery shopping with a headache the day before either a holiday or an expected blizzard. And it’s funny as hell. The closing track, “This” is my favorite. If you read the liner notes, the lyrics here feature some constructive commentary by one Mrs. Joyce. Mrs. Joyce reminds me a lot of my old art teacher, Mrs. Peterman. And I really hope that, wherever she is, Mrs. Joyce hears this song.
You truly can’t go wrong with this album. It’s clever, imaginative and loveable from the very first listen. I can’t wait for the next one.
