We The Kings - O2 Academy, Birmingham - 29th January 2013 (Live Review)
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Friday, 08 February 2013 |
Written by James Goodall
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Pop-punk: a scene where twenty-something bands lament sixteen-year-olds’ problems, it also makes complete sense that it’s also a scene where anxious parents pace back and forth at the entrance of venues, waiting for their son or daughter to emerge following a loud, noisy, in your face kind of show.
 The O2 Academy in Birmingham was the scene of frantic parents, craning their necks each time to doors swung open, hoping to see a tiny glimpse of the absolute chaos that was taking place inside the all-ages We The Kings show. UK up and comers Natives and Blitz Kids provided support.
Blitz kids appeared on stage with a calm aurora surrounding them. The Nantwich four-piece have toured almost non-stop in the last couple of years so this was just another day in the office for them. Being the first band on a show means you usually play to a far smaller crowd who aren’t as enthusiastic and who are more interested in securing a space for the headline band or fighting their way to the merchandise table. However this myth was shattered with the room filling rapidly and the large majority of the sold out audience singing along to every word. It became apparent that after such a lively set that Blitz Kids’ aggressive approach, big riffs and almost infectious melodies will see them propelled to new heights with the release of their latest record.
With two very well established bands already on the line-up, it was now the turn of Natives to come and prove their credentials.
Showcasing their new material tonight to an anticipative Birmingham crowd, vocalist Jim Thomas clearly proves that Natives are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks and months. The emotion, the energy and the atmosphere is apparent from the moment the Southampton five-piece walk on stage and begin playing their style of loud, distorted style of alternative rock. There are strong, emotional choruses, sing-along moments, thundering drum lines and striking guitar riffs at every turn. Closing Native’s set was the band’s first single ‘The Island’ as one of only two songs previously released by the band it’s received with such energy and despite only having released such little they’ve not only pulled a massive crowd but it’s obvious that they’re going to go on to amazing things.
As the set draws to a close people are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the evening’s main attraction, Florida’s pop punk powerhouses We The Kings. A general feel of excitement sweeps the academy as the lights go down and at the back of the stage a small door opens.
Finally Florida’s We the Kings blast on stage, almost immediately connecting with the crowd (which has already begun pushing, shoving and crowd surfing their way to the front to be near their heroes) and telling stories in between every song before belting them out with the distinct voice which has seen the band become such a hit amongst fans.
At one point, Clark told the story of the “gang sign” which created a personal connection, it was evident from this that Kings’ personality was evident on stage in every move — which makes for a more interesting and compelling experience.
For as many upbeat, high-tempo, energy-exerting tracks, these were matched with slow, meaningful melodies delivered with such crisp and honest vocals that you felt drawn in from the moment they began to the tear-jerking moment that they ended. By the time the band had gone off stage and returned for an encore (which consisted of a fantastic Jimmy Eat World cover) and the band’s most well known song ‘Check Yes Juliet’ the floor was filled with people, peeling themselves off the sweaty, beer soaked floor.
It’s now 10.30pm and the show is over, outside the venue are those parents eagerly anticipating the arrival of their sons and daughters, they have absolutely no idea of what’s just gone on inside the venue and it’s to be argued that they may not want to either, but the smile that We the Kings have put on everyone’s faces as they leave are apparent for everyone to see.
Prior to the show I sat down with Travis Clark and we spoke about a new record (check out the interview here), if you’ve never listened to the band before then perhaps this is the time to because if they’re able to come back and repeat the show they’ve just put on tonight with new material, they’re a band you’re going to kick yourself for missing.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming
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