From the gutter to the glitter: King No-One
From an unknown band to a sellout show, King No-One are the band to know. Creating an environment of acceptance and excitement, their growth as one of the leading unsigned indie-rock bands is well deserved - as proven by their recent releases of Two Islands and Systematic, further demonstrated by the success of their largest tour yet.
After seeing them for the first time in April I've been hooked to the thumping basslines and melodic hook of King No-One. One tour later, with the addition of various gigs and busking sessions to keep their fans fulfilled, the boys were back on their longest tour to date: 19 shows ranging from intimate bars in Glasgow to their biggest venue - Church in Leeds.
Lead by vocalist Zach Lount, alongside friends and band mates Alex Townsley, Joe Martin and James Basile, the band is climbing the ladder to success with an ever expanding audience to support their every move.
As a band built on the guise of equality it's no surprise Lount was so vocal about social issues throughout the tour. Not only did he speak about the inequality of a sexist society through the free the nipple movement, saying "if women can't, I can't", but also how "the colour of your skin, your gender, your sexuality, or even your financial status does not define the person that you are". Although, from a band whose name literally means "no-one is king, we're all born equal" it is to be expected that feminism plays a critical part in their set. However, all this is what helps to create the comfortable and accepting environment at each gig, one where the diversity of the audience is celebrated.
It is truly understandable to see why their fans are so dedicated. Although my view is bias due to being one of the "kno superfans" according to Kirstie Lount, Zach's mother, I have personally witnessed their fanbase growing yet remaining one of the best I've ever been a part of. Through them I've met so many people of all ages and genders, from 14 year old non-binary people to 26 year old cis men, yet every single person has been brought together for the same reason: the politically driven music of King No-One.
The talent of the band goes without saying - they're a must-see as words and videos cannot do them justice. The powerful vocals of Lount, complicated beat kept carefully controlled by Basile, beautifully rhythmic solos from Martin and pulsing bass lines from Townsley are something which must be witnessed as studio recordings just don't capture the spark of energy found on stage. Not only that, but the excitement from witnessing Lount never drop a note as he runs from stage left to climb the speakers above the audience, or when jumping into the crowd and relying on the hundreds of fans to keep him up is lost through video. Of course, these are only a handful of important elements found with each set which are best witnessed in person. There are also the confetti canons raining colourful tissue paper and metallic gold leaves over the screaming people below, the surge of the crowd to hold Lount's outstretched hand, the communication between band and audience as banners, flags and posters are handed to the boys in an attempt to make the night more intimate and personal, the night is always spontaneous but exhilarating. Just be warned, this all comes with free bruises if stood in the first few rows or caught up in the mosh pit towards the back, although a few purple marks will always be expected at great gigs.
Even with a tight curfew in place the band will always find the time to meet fans. In an attempt to make the experience even better they do their own merchandise, allowing fans to greet the men they've lost their voices to, collect autographs and take photos to remember the evening. Although in some places, such as Leeds, the security hurry fans along and make them unable to meet the boys inside but that doesn't mean they wont get to meet the men they admire. King No-One always move outside after a short amount of time, an experience possibly more special than inside as hugs and longer conversations can be held under the stars.
After seeing them for the fifth and sixth time on the autumn tour I can say with confidence that this band are going to go so far, whether they remain unsigned and work hard to keep breaking records (such as being the first ever unsigned band to play the Reading and Leeds NME/Radio 1 stage) or get signed and produce full length albums instead of fan-funded EPs, the magic of King No-One is something which must be seen. After all, this is only the beginning.
- Quinn Barnes, 21/10/17