04 August 2012 (gig)
08 August 2012
You never quite know what to expect when confronted with a band that have the same name as a cereal, especially when supporting the hyper Jessie J, whom, though superbly talented, can be random at the best of times. So when five-piece electro-pop band, The Special Ks, took to the stage at the Roundhouse, Camden in support of the Vitamin Water sponsored Jessie J concert, all ears perked up to hear what the neon clad, Brighton boys had to offer.
Bouncy techno beats shot through the circular surroundings, accompanied by solid pop vocals that, though not the most technically astounding, did the job in a venue where sound quality was probably less of a priority than laser lights in numbers. The Special Ks are, one word, current! They'd fit snuggly into the charts, a bit like how David Guetta seems to get onto your iPod despite your protestations - no matter what kind of music you listen to, he's going to be there, and you know it. Their choruses are undeniably catchy, though their stage presence left a little to be desired - they can be forgiven, almost all band members were stuck behind real musical instruments (what's David Guetta's excuse?).
Danceable numbers like 'Evil Woman', and 'New Ways' (they have dog heads in the video, it's a must see) got the crowd going and created a good buzz, but as much as the predictably commercial sound pleased those in the crowd that were the younger end of 18, it was the note perfect falsetto of lead singer Howard that caught my attention. Electro-pop, let's be honest, is getting a little overbearing (again...David Guetta), but it seems that, like Special K cereal, you're inevitably going to give in, all self restraint going out the window, and you're going to overdose and never fit into that little red dress (or is that just me?). So, giving in to the gorge, The Special Ks were the way to go; great melodies, memorable choruses, and the kind of classy synth hooks that have eluded Taio Cruz for many a summer. Ditch the digital disco diet, and go and see the Special Ks, life is too short for an iPod full of Radiohead.
