Black Kids – London ULU, 18/06/08

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Photograph by Nick Greenan

The last time I saw Black Kids on the London circuit was only a few months ago now at this very same venue when they supported Sons and Daughters. Whispers of hype began to emerge and gather speed yet they remained entirely anxious and humble on stage as they played to the half filled venue.

Since then they have blossomed from a much talked about new act to a full blown indie pop wonderment, with substance. With backing from many respected voices in the industry, the Jacksonville quintet have gone from dingy clubs to headlining the ‘In New Music We Trust’ stage at Radio1’s One Big Weekend.

Four months on and they’re back at the same venue, only this time their support act status is banished. They’re tighter, even more excitable, established and with a sold out tour and debut album to unleash.

After being greeted by a very rapturous and anxious crowd, lead singer Reggie Youngblood tousles his mane before mumbling something inaudible into the mike with a big grin on his face and launches into ‘Hit the Heartbrakes’.

Immediately after there is no chance to catch your breath as we are given a long awaited treat of new album tracks, ‘I Wanna Be Your Limousine’ is a sexy track not dissimilar to ‘Hurricane Jane’ with it’s sleazy club feel. It’s driven by an infectious baseline which vibrates throughout the venue, it’s impossible to dislike. Continuing with the airing of new material soon to feature on the new album, the aptly titled Party Traumatic, we are given ‘I’m Making Eyes at You’. Ali and Dawn dance around the track with flowing vocals and melodic synths, meanwhile Reggie curls over panging his guitar in the background.

‘Hurricane Jane’ seems to cause an explosion amongst the crowd which is transcended with the bands reaction of smiles all round as the audience chant lyrics back at them, an enthralled Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens amongst the crowd included. More album delights follow and old favorites from Wizard of Ahhs keep up the momentum as the evening draws to a close.

But just when you think it can’t get any better, they bring out a special guest and ‘legend’-Bernard Butler. Confused looks appear on many faces but for those knowing fans of the ex-Suede guitarist and now acclaimed producer this is a spectacle and treat to behold. Butler plays side by side with Reggie to ‘Look at me (When I rock wichoo)’; fantastic. The inevitable raucous followed with the last track, ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You’ and they proved once more that they are more than just fresh meat, and certainly know how to deliver a set. My advice to you if you already have your ticket-expect the unexpected and get ready to sweat.

Look for an album review soon on TLOBF

Links
Black Kids [official site] [myspace]