Review and Images by Ames Charles

After releasing their long-awaited debut album 'The Burden Of Empathy' in April, British alt-rock trio King No-One embarked on a UK and European tour this autumn. This Monday, they stopped at Le Chinois, near Paris.

Over the last ten years, the band have gathered a tight-knit and highly dedicated fanbase, with many fans travelling across Europe to attend shows. As is their tradition, King No-One, made up of vocalist Zach Lount, guitarist Joe Martin and bassist Rob Gration, delivered a free, intimate, acoustic pre-show set just before doors opened.

French rock band Sevi Rog opened the night with their saturated guitars and dark folk textures. Although their set was a good way to ease into the evening, the performance remained fairly straightforward. This was not necessarily a bad thing, as it allowed the crowd, and myself, to get ready for what was to come.

I hate to admit it, but I’m always a little nervous before a gig when the room is only half full. I can’t help wondering whether the energy will be there. My doubts disappeared the moment the trio stepped on stage. Zach Lount worked the crowd with practiced ease. Bursting with energy, the Tyke singer never stood still for more than ten seconds, whether singing from the middle of the crowd, jumping on a table or bouncing on the bar. The energy in the room was incredible to witness, with the audience shouting back the lyrics and dancing their hearts out. While Rob threw himself into every bass line with boundless energy, Joe stayed his cool and collected self, delivering each riff with precision.

The setlist was a treat for both longtime and new fans, ranging from the iconic ‘Alcatraz’ to material from the new album like ‘Note Boys’ and ‘Transgressions’. The band’s sound is built on catchy lyrics, vibrant riffs and punchy drums.

King No-One delivered a memorable performance despite numerous technical difficulties: notably, Zach’s mic kept cutting out and crackling. Undeterred, the singer gave it his all to put on a great show for the crowd. After the gig, the band took time to meet their fans at the merch desk, a small but very welcome gesture to end a lovely evening.