Black Kids

No matter how much we try to dissociate ourselves from the hyperbole, it’s difficult to approach any band that's been bitten by the 21st century hype monster without some degree of trepidation. After all, once bitten, twice shy, and we’ve all been let down more often than we care to admit in the ever-quickening buzz-to-backlash cycle that now dominates… well… almost everything.

Still, like any jaded lover, we all hold out for the possibility that a special someone will come along to make our pulses race once more. Which means that tonight, at the second of two sold-out ICA gigs, all eyes are on the much-blogged about Black Kids. It doesn’t take much to assume that many, including DiS, are in the audience to decide if what the Florida quintet parading before us is worthy of our love.

When the band finally take the stage, it’s difficult to escape the oft-mentioned Cure comparisons. Frontman Reggie Youngblood’s voice hits those same wailing notes as Robert Smith while sharing a penchant for large hair and even larger hooks. ‘I’m Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance’ is perfect fodder for the type of overly romantic youths traditionally drawn to old big hair and company. Yet it’s moments like ‘Hurricane Jane’ or their cover of Beat Happening’s ‘You Turn Me On’ that strips back the media furore and soundbite comparisons to reveal a bona-fide indie pop band practically dripping with a love of intelligent pop music, past and present. What we're witnessing is as much ‘Tutti Frutti’ as it is ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, with a dash of ‘Raspberry Beret’ chucked in for good measure. And it’s all channeled with brains, brawn and a refreshingly sincere, heart-on-sleeve exuberance that never feels sickly.

It’s too early, though, to label Black Kids saviours of an increasingly tired indie scene. They’re better situated as adept students with a potential that has yet to be fully realised. Given time, there’s something on display here that could eventually turn an ear or two beyond those obsessive-types fuelling the hype machine.

The start of an affair to remember then? Eh, it’s too soon to tell. But as first dates go, it’s clear for now that the kids are alright.

Photo: Ian Witlen