Institute of Contemporary Arts

Black Kids

Date: 13 March 2008

Black Kids. Photo : Gabriel Green

Jahan Nazeer 

Tonight was to be the last of a great run of gigs at the ICA before a short break was scheduled. Headlining were Florida's Black Kids with support from Essex lads Magistrates. Black Kids have been tipped as being one of the ‘next big things' and had definitely drawn a large and enthusiastic crowd who milled around the ICA, getting drinks and enjoying that Thursday night feeling. Having sunk a glass and resisting the old school arcade machine that I'd spied in the corner of the room, I went through to the stage area where Magistrates were about to begin.

Magistrates are a four piece band ‘hailing from the armpit of England' Essex, who now took the stage to little or no fanfare. With the crowd still gathering, they began their set. There were, apparently, some record exec-type dudes here specifically to see Magistrates, I don't know what their impression was, but I was definitely very impressed. Beginning with tight, fast paced drums, funky basslines, guitar licks and falsetto vocals, their set fell somewhere between indie, funk, disco and pop. Stating their influences as Prince, Talking Heads and David Bowie, their sound is up-tempo, with strong vocal melodies and highly danceable grooves. Industry proceedings allowing, a summer hit definitely seems on the cards for Magistrates, their material being catchy and straightforward with an up-beat vibe that would surely guarantee summer radio play. ‘Make This Work' is a good example of this, and certainly caught my ears with its insistent drums, sonically satisfying chord structure and funk-fuelled vocals. With Magistrates' lead vocalist shaking displaying an impressive vocal range and all instrumentation sounding tight and rehearsed, my only criticism of the set would be the omission of a slower track to contrast the otherwise fast-paced tunes. Apart from that, Magistrates gave the crowd an energetic and fun-filled workout that must have made an impression on any record execs present. Let's hope they get a swift and fair deal and have a hit ready for the summer.

So, on to the main event. Black Kids have definitely had people talking since their performance at Athens Popfest last year and had sold out the ICA two nights in a row, newly signed without any commercial releases. Tipped by NME, Vice Magazine and The Guardian, the recommendations have been coming thick and fast for the Jacksonville quintet and the levels of expectancy were high as they arrived on stage to cheers and whistles. Opening with their new single ‘I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You', a song about dancing with someone and feeling a real chemistry, only to see that someone leave with their other half. With Cure-influenced lead vocals, playful schoolyard backing vocals and fresh sounding guitar/synth parts, the Black Kids ran through a great set of material from their ep, available for free download on their myspace page. Lead singer Reggie Youngblood running the show with a strong stage presence, distinctive voice and some slashing guitar solos. He was backed by his sister Ali and Dawn Watley who played synth parts, added cheeky vocals and kept energy levels high. Bumping bass and pumping drums were provided by Owen Holmes and Kevin Snow respectively, completing the Black Kids line up. Received well by the audience, their 80s-eske pop rock style with visually stimulating stage show was enough to keep the crowd moving throughout and definitely left them wanting more. If you don't know about this band, go check their myspace page for a look at what could very well be one of the next big bands.

Magistrates. Photo: Gabriel Green

Black Kids. Photo: Torie Speyer