“No Serial Killer” is one of the more interesting projects to come across my desk in recent memory. The record is a concept album of sorts from the enigmatic pianist/songwriter from Nottingham, England, known only as A.K.M. The artist has a unique playing style he calls “bass piano.” Essentially, he plays the piano like a bass guitar. The instrument is the foundation of all thirty tracks on his new album.
Taken individually, the songs on “No Serial Killer” each sound like sweet and innocent Pop love songs. If you pay close attention though, you’ll notice a subtle ominous tone beneath the surface. It’s a little like watching a Ted Bundy interview. He is attractive, charming and articulate. However, somewhere behind his eyes you sense something sinister within. If you’re lucky.
The album’s spooky vibe is accented by the reverberated verbal introductions to each song. The narrator announces each track like a female Vincent Price. In each case, a deceptively lighthearted and sugary love song follows.
Each song feature’s A.K.M.’s bass piano, minimal drums, a female vocalist and some really slick guitar playing. The performances throughout are excellent. Each track is written in a tradional style; ranging from old time rock and roll, to do-wop and country-tinged Pop.
Why the name No Serial Killer? Is life getting you down? Are you struggling to appear normal when in public? Are you sick of pretending to be well-adjusted at all times? Well, take heed. All of these frustrations may some day cause you to flip. Think for a minute – when people start to kill, does this happen overnight? Or does the harsh reality of life cause a person to slowly fall apart?
A.K.M.’s ‘No Serial Killer’ is a music concept designed to eliminate murder in society. If a person feels they’re going crazy, before they reach ‘the breaking point’ they must recognize that to kill others is evil, nasty and to put it mildly, highly inconsiderate. It’s not a crime to be insane, so embrace the insanity before it consumes you. We need to establish a world where no killing takes place, especially ‘no serial killing’. Think of how many lives we can save. So ask yourself are you with us? The choice is yours.
A.K.M.
“No Serial Killer” by A.K.M. is available for purchase on Bandcamp. Check it out here, and follow the links below to connect with the artist.
