9 O’CLOCK NASTY’s new song, King Thing, is exciting, bold, and full of meaning. It’s not just music—it’s a message about life, power, and how things change over time. The band worked hard to improve the song, and it shows.
King Thing talks about how power works in the world. The song says the “old kings” are losing their power, and “new kings” are taking over. But these new rulers might not be better—they may still hold on to ideas like white male privilege, which seems to be getting stronger again.
King Thing talks about big ideas like privilege, entitlement, and how power shifts from one group to another. The song tells the story of “old kings” losing their power and “new kings” taking their place, but it also questions whether these new rulers are any different from the old ones. Even though it seemed like the “Age of Entitlement” was ending, the song points out that white male privilege is rising again, showing how little has really changed.
King Thing is a song about feeling better than your peers, more special. Like you’re just waiting for the magical moment when they fall to their knees and recognize that you are the one. When your skin is the right colour, your reproductive organs pass the conservative media test, your age is respectable and yet somehow you struggle to come to terms with the deck of cards you’ve been dealt. Especially when you see how much shit the people around you are taking. Beyond toxic masculinity lies guilt and rage.
The lyrics broadens into the yearning to be acknowledged as superior, the frustration of unmet expectations despite fitting the mold of traditional privilege, and the guilt of recognizing the struggles faced by others. This is a song as much about the external world as it is about the inner turmoil of navigating identity, privilege, and self-worth.
The band first released this song in 2023, but they decided to remake it. They used new ideas and tools to make the song even better. The updated version is sharper, louder, and more fun to listen to.
The song’s geographical references—from Hackney to Leicester, Derby to Brighton—serve as a metaphorical journey through the diverse landscapes of modern Britain. Whether by car, bicycle, or even camel, the imagery suggests movement, change, and perhaps the idea that privilege and power are pervasive across all terrains.
King Thing is that it’s part of a bigger project as one of the most exciting aspects of King Thing is its inclusion in the upcoming compilation LP, I’m Not A Fucking Metronome, for the Lucy Phillips Art Fund. This decision not only underscores the band’s support for artistic initiatives but also amplifies the song’s reach and impact. The fund, aimed at fostering creativity and supporting artists, is an apt platform for a track as provocative and artistic as this one.
Among the band’s repertoire, King Thing stands out as a song that keeps calling them back. It’s a track that resonates deeply, not just with its creators but also with its listeners. Whether it’s the commanding beat, the soaring guitar, or the gritty bass, every element of the song works in harmony to create an unforgettable experience.
Out of all the songs 9 O’CLOCK NASTY has made, King Thing is one they keep coming back to—and it’s easy to see why. It’s memorable, meaningful, and full of life. The beat sticks in your head, the guitar soars, and the bass gives the track a gritty edge that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a song that feels fresh and exciting every time you hear it.
Please show support to the band and buy a copy of the LP on Bandcamp from https://lucyphillipsartsfund.bandcamp.com/
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