Honey (One Day In Atlantic City) by KaiserKillers Cover Credit: Shot by Dave Wray
The journey of KaiserKiller is one of rediscovery, nostalgia, and the relentless pull of music that spans decades. The band traces its origins back to Huddersfield, Yorkshire, where Johnny Zero (guitar/vocals) and Andy DeForest (guitar) first began collaborating in the 1990s. Their creative partnership flourished in bands like “The Isolationists” and “Martin’s Dad,” where they honed their unique sound rooted in punk rock and indie influences. However, as often happens in life, paths diverged. Andy moved to Bristol to attend dental school, while Johnny ventured into a career as a car designer in Coventry, pushing music to the background as they pursued other ambitions.
But the bond forged through music proved stronger than distance or time. In the early 21st century, Johnny and Andy reunited, sparking a revival of their shared musical vision. This rebirth led to the creation of KaiserKillers, a name that tips its hat to The Kaiser Keller in Hamburg, a legendary venue where The Beatles shaped their early sound. The addition of Flash Harry (guitar), Pietro Futura (bass), and Barry Bang (drums) gave the band a full-bodied sound that blended the raw energy of punk with the rich melodies of pop, creating what they proudly call PowerPopPunk!
While their sound is rooted in punk rock, KaiserKillers draw influence from a diverse range of artists, spanning decades and genres. From the melodic punk of “Buzzcocks” and “Blondie” to the timeless 60s pop sensibilities of “The Beatles, Byrds, Small Faces,” and “The Hollies,” the band merges the past and present into something entirely their own. The KaiserKillers’ love for melody is evident, but their penchant for punk’s attitude and energy remains at the heart of their music. It’s a sound that transcends time, defying trends while staying connected to rock ‘n’ roll’s most essential roots.
With the release of their original single “Honey (One Day in Atlantic City)”, KaiserKillers prove yet again why they’re masters of crafting irresistibly vibrant music. Inspired by a whirlwind day in Atlantic City, this high-energy track captures the thrill of adventure, the nostalgia of youthful love, and the quirks of life’s unexpected moments. Laced with exuberant melodies, intricate guitar layers, and an infectious punk spirit, “Honey” is more than just a song—it’s a journey that transports you to moonlit highways and unforgettable experiences, all wrapped in the signature KaiserKillers PowerPopPunk! sound.
KaiserKillers have once again solidified their reputation for delivering an electrifying blend of punk energy and pop melody with the release of their new single, “Honey (One Day In Atlantic City).” As soon as you hear the song for the first time, you can tell that it’s more than just your average PowerPopPunk hit song. It’s a thoughtfully composed trip through early love, the excitement of an unplanned excursion, and a deep love for music. The song has a lively, high-energy feel that is yet nostalgic and surprisingly contemporary, all thanks to the band’s distinctive sound. At their finest, KaiserKillers remain faithful to their origins while daring to explore new sound textures.
The opening of “Honey” instantly grabs your attention with its energetic pace. The track’s strong rhythm is enhanced at the beginning with handclaps to give it a raw, natural vibe. An immediately appealing groove sets the tone for the remainder of the song. The smooth, funky bassline gives warmth and depth to the mix, while the guitars provide a soft rock riff that evokes a melancholic yet ominous tone. This combination of instruments sets the stage for an upbeat yet laid-back vibe, giving the listener a sense of a carefree, adventurous day—just like the journey to Atlantic City that inspired the song. The rhythm is dynamic but never rushed, perfectly embodying the feeling of excitement tempered with the calm of enjoying the moment.
At the 0:24 mark, the lead vocals make their grand entrance, and Johnny Zero’s voice is nothing short of captivating. There’s a grungy quality to his vocals that contrasts beautifully with the smoother instrumental backdrop, adding an edge to the otherwise breezy track. The song’s story of a road journey, a young love, and even the disappointment of a lousy chili dog is brought to life by his voice, which carries the weight of the lyrics. His tone is captivating and sincere at the same time, drawing the listener into the story he’s telling. The song sounds deeper and richer as the double-tracked harmonies begin to play, just when you believe the vocals have reached their pinnacle. These vocal harmonies take “Honey” from a good song to one that will stick in your memory forever.
What sets KaiserKillers apart in this track is their ability to balance intensity and relaxation. The song is definitely energetic, but the way the voice and instrumentation blend together is also easygoing. The band seems to have perfect control over every note and tempo, and the groove is constant without ever being too loud. With its gritty, explosive riffs that add just the right amount of edge to keep things interesting without overpowering the rest of the composition, the guitar work is particularly impressive. The band’s strong admiration for 60s pop and 90s alt-rock influences, such as “The Smiths” and “Oasis,” is evident in the melodic sensibility that tempers the punk influence.
The narrative develops throughout the song in a way that makes you feel as like you’re traveling to Atlantic City shotgun with the band. The way the music complements the narrative, whether it’s the moonlit highway or the disappointment of a bad dinner at a quirky cafe, has a cinematic quality. It’s impossible to resist getting swept up in the romanticism and spontaneity of the moment since the straightforward words are sung with such passion. “Honey” is both a road trip song, a love ballad, and a reflection on nostalgia due to its unique blend of global issues and personal storytelling.
The production on “Honey” is worth noting as well. The song was recorded across multiple locations, including Bede Burn Studios in Newcastle and Strawberry Field in Colchester, with the final mix handled by Francis Gorini at London Mastering Studio. The result is a track that feels polished but not overly produced. There’s still a rawness to the sound, particularly in the percussion, where Andy DeForest’s improvisational approach—jumping on a breadboard in his kitchen—adds a touch of authenticity and glam rock flair. It’s these little details that give the song character and show just how much thought went into every aspect of its creation.
“Honey (One Day In Atlantic City)” is KaiserKillers at their finest. It’s a song that sums up their special fusion of pop melody, rock skill, and punk fire. A track that feels both ageless and entirely new is the outcome of the band’s ability to take the listener on a journey through music and storytelling. “Honey” is a song that appeals to everyone, regardless of whether you like pop, punk, or just fantastic narrative. You’ll be hitting repeat and thinking about your own impromptu travels as you listen to this upbeat, groove-laden hymn. KaiserKillers have proven once again that their PowerPopPunk! sound is here to stay, and this track is a shining example of their creative genius.
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