Fresh off the back of their show at London’s Dingwells, Clean Cut Kid hit Nottingham last week and delivered an electric set at the Bodega. Though the band have played a number of gigs in the past few years, on October 28th, IMPACT found them in the midst of their first proper tour. It’s safe to say that the band are selling out in the best way possible.
“Clean Cut Kid have yet to even release their debut album, but you wouldn’t have guessed it judging by the audience’s response to the set list”
Introductions aside, an honourable mentioned should be given to the support act, Clay, who took to the stage ahead of Clean Cut Kid. They looked the part; leather jackets, loafers and YSL t-shirts. More importantly they sounded the part too; 1975-esque electro rock. It must be difficult to be a warm up band. Thankfully, Clay didn’t get that memo and played a self-confident and attention demanding set.
The crowd that filled the Bodega were of a more serious kind than when I was last at the venue a couple of weeks previous to watch The Magic Gang. If fans of The Magic Gang can be generalised as glittery teenagers intent on creating an unnecessary mosh pit, then Clean Cut Kid’s fans could be said to be a little more mature and far more relaxed.
This is by no means a bad thing, but it did mean that I missed the mania and buzz that comes with a horde of frenzied and excited youths.
Clean Cut Kid have yet to even release their debut album, but you wouldn’t have guessed it judging by the audience’s response to the set list. The crowd sang the songs back as passionately as the band performed them. ‘Make Believe’, ‘We Used To Be In Love’ and ‘Vitamin C’ received the best reactions of the evening.
The gig did feel a little bit short due to the size of Clean Cut Kid’s back catalogue. However, the desire for a longer set is of course positive and will soon be remedied by the imminent release of their first record.
Between songs, front-man Mike Halls interacted with the band and the crowd. He was entertaining and created an even more intimate atmosphere in the already cosy venue. It’s obvious that this band truly love their craft.
You can hear the passion in their musicianship, and see it as they perform. It feels like 2017 will be their year. Watch this space.
Amaya Carruthers
Read Impact’s interview with Clean Cut Kid here.
Image courtesy of Chuffmedia
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