Out of Control | Unsigned

On any given lazy afternoon at Harbor High School, the students aren’t the only ones plotting their escape; PE teacher and coach Nick Adams is no doubt preparing to assume his slightly less pillar-of-the-community identity as guitarist of his band the B Movie Kings (BMK). A local classic rock outfit whose campy moniker was born of Adams’ love for low-budget flicks (see the band’s logo, Godzilla with a guitar donning Adams’ characteristic cap), BMK has been performing covers around town for years, but this past March, Adams and his fellow Kings—Ted Gauthier (lead vocals/sax), Marty Dolcamore (guitar), Richard Burgan (vocals/bass) and Zack Olsen (drums)—released a set of originals titled Out of Control. The album, as a whole, plays raucous and fun, start to finish, sporting a stack of energy-laden tracks that come off as more of a cross between classic rock and good ol’ fashioned ’50s/’60s rock ‘n’ roll. Adams pens high-intensity songs seemingly bent on blowing off steam at the end of a long, hard day. “Why Can’t You Love Me” and the disc’s title track, with their direct and declarative refrains, scream for catharsis. Nearly every song is established with a hearty and assertive electric guitar riff and often, it’s a matter of time before excitement escalates, courtesy of a small but enthusiastic chorus of back-up singers. Gauthier owns songs with his large lungs, steely vocal chords and willingness to employ a James Brown-esque howl. Wait for his soulful sax solo near the end of BMK’s cover of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” You’ll find some excellent harmonica work on “King Funk” and “Texas Woman” from aptly named guest artist Harpin’ Johnny Trotter. It’s not all righteous wailing and exploding riffs though; Adams’ proves his tender side with “All you Gotta Give Me”—a tender ballad that promises complete emotional access in exchange for a small sacrifice (“all of your love”). Thanks to a wistful flute solo by guest artist Russ Leal of local band Extra Large, it almost sounds like a reasonable trade.

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