13 January 2007

Winterkids - Borderline, London - Saturday 13th January 2007

When you walk into the Borderline, just off Charing Cross Road in London, there are dozens of lists on the wall, showing all of the people (famous and non-famous), that have played there in the past. Winterkids will obviously now be joining that list, and I suspect that they will end up being one of the more famous bands to have played here on their way up.

Coming on stage at 8:45, for a short set, the singer was immaculately decked out in a suit, and couldn't help reminding me of Johnny Borrell - his hair and face were more than a bit reminiscent. With his sister on keyboards, her boyfriend on drums, and 2 guitarists, their songs sounded very easy on the ears. I was reminded of the Magic Numbers in a way, but some of the songs had (good) echoes of some of Idlewild's past highlights.

During about the third song, the power failed. When it was restored, I realised that we had hardly been able to hear the lead guitarist up until then - so the set was much improved after the unscheduled interval.

Winterkids were very tight as a band, and clearly already have an album's worth of good songs already. They seemed to be very much in the same vein as the Magic Numbers, a band that sound "nice", and would have a very friendly audience. Because of their obvious wide appeal, to indie kids as well as daytime radio listeners, I suspect that they will do well, when they eventually sign a record deal in the UK.

There were a decent number of pretty committed fans at this gig. Their songs are good, and in some cases they are great, and the look and image of the band is also excellent. I expect that they will do very well - you will be hearing about them before too long!

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