Black Kids were the unlucky recipients of unnecessarily (literally) harsh review from Pitchfork, which was really more like a backstabbing of baby that you helped bring into the world. Not that it should have mattered but it did, as a large majority of people took it to heart not really giving Black Kids a chance. It’s really quite sad that one review made everyone generalize their opening about a band’s debut album.
I was not one of those people, as I enjoyed their music when I discovered it, and still do. Black Kids make dance-pop that sounds straight out of the 80’s, and gloriously so. The songs of their debut, Partie Traumatic, are a fun batch meant to make you dance, but also not shy of showing sentiment. Anyone who says they don’t enjoy “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You” is just lying.
Here we are nearly 5 years after the release of their album, and Black Kids are finally back on the live stage. They’re been working on other musical projects and accomplishing other life goals such as degrees and creating families. But on Friday night they returned to NYC playing at the more than intimate Mercury Lounge which was jammed packed. They gave us a feel good set that consisted mostly of their debut album, as well as a few cuts from their Cemetery Lips EP. Two new songs titled “Wake Up” and “Clocks” were played, and sounded as lively as ever.
It was good to see these guys live finally, even it was 5-6 years after their initial explosion. But maybe this was for the best. None of the clout of their early buzz or the backlash hung over the stage. Rather, I got to see a band return to the stage and put on a highly enjoyable set that had a small but responsive room dancing and singing along. What else could one ask for?
Glad to see Black Kids are back.
Join the conversation