The Future Kings of Nowhere- 'FKoN'

Photo: Rebekah A. Meek

Here is Durham, giddy Durham... L. to R: Colin Booy, Catherine Edgerton, Kym Register, Shayne O’Neill, Liam O’Neill, Jason (ex-FKON), Dan Kinney and Jessica (Dan's GF)

Record Review by Rebecca Lower


score: FOUR-AND-A-HALF Lakes
(on a scale of five Lakes)

On Aug 8’s “New Music Wednesday” (Sirius Disorder 70), after playing the first song the deejay said something like: “Now, here’s a song for those of you who like humor in your lyrics.”

The song was “Like a Staring Contest” by the Future Kings of Nowhere. But if you’ve only heard that song, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Neither did I. Even after the cd arrived from 307 Knox (their record label), I put it aside after hearing a couple tracks’ worth. Days later, once I took the time to really listen to the whole thing, I felt differently. On 'FKoN', Shane O’Neill and company have struck a chord- a very warm and familiar chord.

From the other reviews out there, you could make a neverending list of lyricists and musicians that people name-check. But it's easy enough to complete your own connect-the-dots with lines like:

In an advertising era/you’re always looking for a sign/ Someone to call your name, tell you they feel the same/Well, if you’re listening this one’s mine. (“I Want You”)

or

It's all over your face/My generation is easily
replaced/Send us back if you don’t care for the taste/This
waiter’s uniform would look good on anyone. (“I’m Still Waiting”)

O’Neill modestly points to band mates Dan Kinney, Catherine Edgerton or his brother Liam, when pressed about the word-play (in my up-coming interview with him). And he's right to. These days, clever singer-songwriters are all over the radio- and not just in modern rock circles.

But whether he knows it or not, O’Neill is of a special breed. On the plaintive stroll “Emily” or the two-and-a-half minute sprint “Downpour”, he seems to know his way blindfolded through the pop music aesthetic.

The rare track (like “Emily”) reaches into five minute-territory, and is saved here by the fact that the music’s gorgeous. But thankfully, you won’t find a string of ballads. This debut truly shines when the band paints the scenery for O'Neill's love stories onto a 4-minute canvas.

And yes- if his band keeps making music like this- maybe one day the Future Kings of Nowhere will redeem the sacrifice of the “trees that have died in the path of my pen.” (“Song For Catherine”)

___________________________________
Must-hear tracks: “Like a Staring Contest”, “I’m Still Waiting”, “Downpour”, "What You Don't Know Might Kill Me", “Song For Catherine”.