CALL US KINGS
Nut Up or Shut Up
(self-released)
Formed only a few months ago by former members of Everything Zen and the Thrifters, Mentor’s Call Us Kings storm out of the gate with the six-song EP Nut Up or Shut Up, which features some tight pop-punk harmonies that suggest the band locked in quickly. The rollicking “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Dice” features a crunchy guitar riff and sweet harmonies; the ballad “Reality Check” wouldn’t sound out of place on a teen-themed TV show or movie. But too often Call Us Kings go for a formula that’s played out by now. — Jeff Niesel
MY MOUTH IS THE SPEAKER
Landmarks
(Stereoprize)
myspace.com/mymouthisthespeaker
It’s easy to categorize My Mouth Is the Speaker as Akron emo. But on its debut album, Landmarks, the quintet has more to offer than familiar SoCal punk tempos, whiny Green Day vocals, and loud stop/start guitars. For starters, Brandon Gardner’s astral keyboards give the band an awesomely unique and dreamy rock vibe. Also, the group’s diversity comes through via the reggaefied Police riffs in “At the Rate I’m Going” and the banjo that drives “Striking Gold (In the Old West).” Led by Daniel Palmentera’s finely tuned lyrical barrages, My Mouth Is the Speaker balance dream-pop and fists-in-the air rock anthems in album highlights like “Landmarks.” — Keith Gribbins
My Mouth Is the Speaker, with Stiletto, Ground Is Lava, and Worn Out Tigers. 9 p.m. Friday, June 18, Musica, Akron. Tickets: $7; Call: 330-374-1114 or go to akronmusica.com
This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2010.
“Nut Up or Shut Up” was an amazing EP! I saw CuK in Cleveland last week and it was mindblowing. The bands energy live is really amazing and contagious! The EP didn’t disappoint and I’m a new fan. The rolling drums make you wanna head bang for sure!
Tight sound and stage presense. You can tell they love what they do. Can’t stand still thru the set. Will definitely check them out again and again.
I saw Call Us Kings at the Journey’s Backyard BBQ w/Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and I have to say their live show is absolutely awesome, so much energy and the songs are really catchy. The won the battle of the bands and it was much deserved. I think the review was pretty good, but they are definitely not using a formula that’s played out, just look at their tour schedule… Keep making Cleveland proud guys.
I saw the band at Journey’s Backyeard BBQ and they were electrifying! I love the songs and will go see them again and again!! Good luck guys on the tour!