A quick glance at the four guys on the cover of The Kicks album The Rise of King Richie might cause someone to back away fast. It could be the half-unbuttoned shirt on one or the bandana on another, but something about the look says, "I am the man in the bar with the bad pick-up line." That said, it could be that the four Kicks members are satirizing a particular look, plus it really all just depends on what you’re into.
Most prominent about this album, released last September, is an array of odd influences throughout, ranging from the early 60s jukebox numbers to the hard rock of the 80s and 90s. Its guilty-pleasure charm is like all the songs that people like, but won’t admit to liking.
King Richie opens up on a fast note with "This Feeling," with guitar solos and yowling vocals reminiscent of Aerosmith. The 1960ss oldies influence comes into play on "Turn It Out," from the harmonizationadns teady percussive snap vis-a-vis Roy Orbison’s "Pretty Womanm," and if you listen to the chorus of "Good Morning," you will find a striking and unexpected resemblence to Bowie’s "All the Young Dudes."
Still, there’s more with a drilling riff on "Shake It Loose" that sounds like Skynyrd, before the album wraps up on its slowest note with a Billy Joel-esque piano opening on "No Easy Way Out."
If a rock album infused with 60s and 80s pop floats your boat, The Rise of King Richie will do the trick. The band members are more than capable instrumentalists, and they definitely are not the morose types, judging by the album’s upbeat vibe. Check them out May 13th and 12th and Porter. – Jessica Pace