Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
****/***** (four out of five stars)
Of the inspired local wave of American trad-rockers, Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England are one of the bands to be most enthusiastic about. Don't let the Northeastern moniker fool you (it's a reference to New England Avenue in Winter Park), this is twang-rock at its best. Cut from the same cloth as Ryan Adams and Jesse Malin, this triumphant six-song EP is pumped full of emotional candor and huge, ringing hooks. Munificently furnished with an astounding proportion of single-worthy tracks, it's an enormously likeable debut with real star power.
The upbeat, wide-open rocker is unquestionably Dunn's strength and the record largely plays to that. The supremely anthemic "Paper Candy," a celebratory paean to the idols of youth, opens things with his best foot forward. The infectious stomp of "Breathe In" sighs with sweet immensity, the broad twangs of "Get Up" sweep with shades of Tom Petty and the interstate love of "The Queen" will have you rolling down the windows and pressing the gas.
Artists who push the bounds of technicality and concept are vital to music as a form of expression. But thank god there are still musicians like Dunn to cut through the academics and uphold its primal appeal. Assured, unpretentious and exceptionally tuneful, this record achieves a simple sort of perfection by following its heart and throwing self-consciousness gloriously to the wind. - Orlando Citybeat by Bao Le-Huu
****/***** (four out of five stars)
Of the inspired local wave of American trad-rockers, Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England are one of the bands to be most enthusiastic about. Don't let the Northeastern moniker fool you (it's a reference to New England Avenue in Winter Park), this is twang-rock at its best. Cut from the same cloth as Ryan Adams and Jesse Malin, this triumphant six-song EP is pumped full of emotional candor and huge, ringing hooks. Munificently furnished with an astounding proportion of single-worthy tracks, it's an enormously likeable debut with real star power.
The upbeat, wide-open rocker is unquestionably Dunn's strength and the record largely plays to that. The supremely anthemic "Paper Candy," a celebratory paean to the idols of youth, opens things with his best foot forward. The infectious stomp of "Breathe In" sighs with sweet immensity, the broad twangs of "Get Up" sweep with shades of Tom Petty and the interstate love of "The Queen" will have you rolling down the windows and pressing the gas.
Artists who push the bounds of technicality and concept are vital to music as a form of expression. But thank god there are still musicians like Dunn to cut through the academics and uphold its primal appeal. Assured, unpretentious and exceptionally tuneful, this record achieves a simple sort of perfection by following its heart and throwing self-consciousness gloriously to the wind. - Orlando Citybeat by Bao Le-Huu
I used to get really annoyed when a national band would come to Orlando and plug in a couple of local acts to open their shows. As the local scene has shifted, over the last couple of years, to include more versatile, risk-taking artists I have found myself not only showing up early enough to catch the local's sets, but on some occasions seeking them out more so than the headliners. With this newly-opened mind, I arrived just on time to the Rainer Maria show to catch Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England.
Backed by a capable band of musicians, Mike Dunn got the audience's attention with his twist on alternative folk reviving the spirits of Dylan and Petty. - INK 19 (Jen Cray)
I used to get really annoyed when a national band would come to Orlando and plug in a couple of local acts to open their shows. As the local scene has shifted, over the last couple of years, to include more versatile, risk-taking artists I have found myself not only showing up early enough to catch the local's sets, but on some occasions seeking them out more so than the headliners. With this newly-opened mind, I arrived just on time to the Rainer Maria show to catch Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England.
Backed by a capable band of musicians, Mike Dunn got the audience's attention with his twist on alternative folk reviving the spirits of Dylan and Petty. - INK 19 (Jen Cray)
Mike - you were made for the radio. Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England write smart, country tinged, pop-radio anthems. Though the music speaks for itself, the band looks great on paper as well. Let me explain... after simply reading that Dunn and his crew cite influences such as Rhett Miller, Springsteen and hometown heroes (and personal favorites) the Replacements - I knew we were going to do well together. Naturally, I'm usually pretty skeptical about self-written band bios. For example, they describe their sound as "...music that is distinctly American and distinctly part of an emerging crew of honest rock n' roll bands from their area..." However, this time, I can't help but agree. Although I have yet to hear to the band's new disc in its entirety, The Edge of America, I've got big eyes (or ears, right?) for this Orlando-based band. - COME PICK ME UP
Mike - you were made for the radio. Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England write smart, country tinged, pop-radio anthems. Though the music speaks for itself, the band looks great on paper as well. Let me explain... after simply reading that Dunn and his crew cite influences such as Rhett Miller, Springsteen and hometown heroes (and personal favorites) the Replacements - I knew we were going to do well together. Naturally, I'm usually pretty skeptical about self-written band bios. For example, they describe their sound as "...music that is distinctly American and distinctly part of an emerging crew of honest rock n' roll bands from their area..." However, this time, I can't help but agree. Although I have yet to hear to the band's new disc in its entirety, The Edge of America, I've got big eyes (or ears, right?) for this Orlando-based band. - COME PICK ME UP
Discography
The Edge of America E.P. (Summer 2006)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
"I want to make windows down music."
From the beginning 23 year old singer-songwritter Mike Dunn's intention was to make music that would make people want to step outside, get in their cars, and drive. In early 2006 he stepped in to Marigolds and Monsters Studio in Atlanta, Georgia with engineer Matt Malpass and producer Louis DeFabrizio to achieve that goal with his experienced backing band The Kings of New England. After 5 long days they emerged with a fine peice of honest rock n' roll entitled "The Edge of America".
It all started with a little encouragement. Although, Mike Dunn has been in a number of bands through his young career he had never been showcased as a frontman. In late 2005 Mike began recording demos under the name Palomino. Once confident enough in these demos he brought them to Louis DeFabrizio (Gasoline Heart, The Kick). DeFabrizio immediately found potential in the tracks and took on the project as both a experienced player and accomplished producer.
"I looked up to Lou, still do." says Mike. "I wanted to do something with some heart, with some soul, with some energy, something real that could acctually mean something to people." Drawing on influences from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, and Bob Dylan, Mike eventually came out with a combination that is completely his own.
"At the end of the day, the song is the most important thing." Mike Dunn and the Kings of New England make music that is distinctly American and distinctly part of an emerging crew of honest rock n' roll bands from their area, including DeFabrizio's own Gasoline Heart. Although this is just the beginning of the road for Mike Dunn and the Kings of New England they bring a confidence in their musicianship to the stage that is rarely seen by bands twice their age and energy to match. With the release of their debut E.P., The Edge of America, last summer Mike and the Kings have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy the ride.
Links
