21 October 2010 (gig)
23 November 2010
Newly formed North London band King Robot not only have a catchy name but some highly addictive tunes which they proudly show cast on this music-news unsigned night in Camden. According to the guitarist the band only formed six months ago, but their stage presence and honed performance is one of a long practiced band.
Unassuming at first but certainly nice to look at, they managed to put a surprise smile on onlookers’ faces with opening song ‘Bottomshop Scenesters’ telling us we shouldn’t ‘spend paper on the things that are plastic’ – a reference to how we are dictated to by certain high street retail chains and obsession with image (although it makes you wonder where else the sharp front man Sam buys his clothes).
Having gathered a sizeable crowd upstairs at the Enterprise in Camden, the five boys made us think Interpol and pleased punters who came for the other acts. Drilling down into the set, the quirky and thoughtful drumming stands out, particularly on dancier songs ‘Satellite’ and ‘Anti-climax’, setting the scene for a tight, driving musical performance which, underlined with the melodic bass, picking guitar and dark swirling synths, grabbed our attention from start to finish. People stood on their toes and strained their necks to catch a glimpse of these new kids on the London music scene.
The front man is a natural performer, who, with an edgy and unique voice manages to captivate the crowd with every word he sings. It’s not all fairy tales, though. Heartfelt and edgy lyrics - 'he would find comfort and friendship in a pocket knife' - tell tales of the social degradation of today’s London in a dark yet rousing manner, while the steady beat of ‘Townie’ introduces an almost lo-fi sounding chugging song about becoming immersed in the grim reality of city life - including the crack whores.
The band know how to enjoy themselves on stage, which translates to the crowd as these guys leave you wanting more after an all too brief half-hour set. And it looks like there will be more to come, with an upcoming EP and lots of gigs around London and beyond in the pipeline, so watch this space.
