Sydney’s Cassette Kids Debut in NY!
by Kat
I only knew that Cassette Kids were from Australia but when a full house turned up for their NYC debut – at a 7:30 opening slot, on a weekday – they got my attention. Despite the ‘set-up-and-play’ protocol at Mercury Lounge, they came out to an intro song – sounds of electro-pop punk the crowd received with visible excitement. It may be a douche move from a night’s first act or an unknown, but taking their non-cocky confidence as a sign of professionalism, I respected them for it. In a city known for having a hard crowd to play for – something even successful, respected musicians still admit to – Cassette Kids assumed the role of a band to watch, free of fumbling awkwardness. They’re a tour-ready fit for The Ting Tings or Crystal Castles, clearly comfortable with their showmanship. The band’s focal point was surprisingly mutual – the guys bouncing around to fun beats and playful choruses just as much as vocalist Katrina Noorbergen, who had a Gwen Stefani-ness about her. While being nothing new per se, their music should be what young people are partying to instead of dance-pop mediocrity like Katy Perry, whose melodies and lyrics in comparison sound like Barney the Dinosaur. Plus – they have a natural, everyday cool without using gimmicky neon hair to do it. Hear that…Katy? Rihanna? Hayley? Gerard? The Kids expressed how great it felt not to be playing in front of three people after bursts of dancing moved through the crowd, following their invitation to “do a little jig.” Their genre isn’t my go-to anymore, but I love that they bring me back to jumping up and down to Vive Le Fête and Le Tigre. Cassette Kids received a positive, physical response from show-goers and deserve a thumbs up for it! They’ve recently relocated to the states, so it’s just a matter of time before they blow up here. The first plan of action? This month’s CMJ festival.
Special Thanksto Lisa Garelick // Sneak Attack Media
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Tags: Cassette Kids, CMJ
- October 10, 2010
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