The Young Knives @ The Barfly, Camden, 7th March 2006

Appearances can be deceptive, especially when they involve cardigans, specs and music instruments. Whoever expected twee, bookish lyrics, fey voices and gentle pop must have felt disappointed last night, when the Young Knives followed their motto to ‘take influence from the rich, arty types, to make it good for the poor’ and delivered an infectious selection of indie rock and punk pop songs at the Barfly in Camden. Arty they look, rich probably not yet – even though having a band member named The House of Lords might suggest so - and they definitely managed to make music good for the crowd in attendance.

The set is short but packed with energetic songs. The Young Knives’ new single ‘Here Comes the Rumour Mill’ is a vibrant explosion of staccato guitars with a great final crescendo of voices. The b-side ‘Elaine’, a Beatlesque ballad, is delivered faster and louder than the single version to keep up with the upbeat pace of the night. ‘Kitchener’, influenced by the northern punk pop beats of The Futureheads, has a captivating guitar solo and some interesting high pitches of voice à la Queen. The band enjoyed more than a banter with an audience incensed enough to invade the stage twice and to dance and jump for the whole length of the show.

The Young Knives might have had false start ups in the past, with support slots to Hot Hot Heat which led to nothing, but the enthusiasm of the audience and the energy of the music are the proof that this band is meant for bigger things. And this is not just a rumour, it's common sense.

Elisabetta P.