Royalty Of The Counter Culture

Imagine a rock ‘n’ roll world where leather jackets are standard and there’s no such thing as “too loud” or “too fast.” In peaceful suburbia, housewife Wanda Jackson and husband, Little Richard, welcome their first child with a rockin’ baptism. In agreement, the parents decide to name their close friend, Joey Ramone, as godfather, forever entrusting their child’s well being to him. The product- Boston’s “punk rock rhythm and blues” octet, The Kings Of Nuthin’. Formed in 1999, the Kings began uniquely piecing together nostalgic rockabilly and R&B from the 1950s with the grittiness of 1970s street punk. Their 2005 album “Over The Counter Culture” is a thrilling compilation that perfectly assembles the three genres together, all while burning with excitement and momentum during each of the 14 tracks.

Throughout the album, vocalist Torr Skoog howls and slurs the lyrics, hinting that the man drinks too much whiskey and smokes three packs a day. To compliment his pipes are saxophonists Hayden Cummings and John Nachez, screeching their horns through each and every track. Trafton Waldrop evokes rockin’ rebel solos and punk rock power chords with his guitar skills, while bassist Thomas Lorioux’s percussive clicking adds to the heavy pulse of their music. Drummer Liam Crill gallops through the beginning and end, never loosing the beat. And let’s not forget the backbone of the group: Necro on washboard, who in one foul stroke of his “instrument” establishes the retro image of the Kings. Together, the eight men create a masterful punk rock record that is accepted at juke joints.

From the opening title track, all the way to the Young Jesse cover, “I Smell A Rat,” a surge runs through the body, producing indescribable exhilaration. With covers ranging from England punkers Anti-Nowhere League to R&B groups like Hank Ballard and his Midnighters, “Over The Counter Culture” contains eight reproductions of classics. With this fact alone, the listener may find it difficult to respect The Kings Of Nuthin’. But the Boston octet does not imitate, they emulate, assembling a completely original and refreshing sound.

“Over The Counter Culture” is an outstanding piece of art in an age where rock ‘n’ roll is phony and pretty. The Kings Of Nuthin’ take rock ‘n’ roll back to its catchy roots with the speed of hardcore. Their third release wails of dirty exhilaration and “I don’t give a fuck” attitudes. The Kings Of Nuthin’ put every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears into this album, resulting in a magnificent celebration in every song.