Live: Kids in Glass Houses @ Rock City [12/10/2011]

Kids in Glass Houses w/ Blitz Kids, Save Your Breath and Francesqa

Kids in Glass Houses shouldn’t throw stones. However, there are no rules against UV paint, merchandise and lead singers – as the crowd at Rock City found out last night when the Welsh rock quintet belted out the last show of their 2011 tour.

The night kicked off with the ever energetic Blitz Kids, fresh from their recent signing with Hassle Records. They powered through a short – but sweet – set of their usual brand of clear-cut rock and gave a much needed performance of the best of their new album ‘Vagrants and Vagabonds’. New single ‘Story’ (a collaboration with Kids in Glass Houses’ lead singer Aled) is met with enthusiasm and many of the crowd sang along.

Next up were Welsh heroes Save Your Breath who, after touring the UK a lot this year, have gained quite a following and their fans added to the swelling crowd. Their faultless set was highlighted by single ‘Stay Young’ which got the crowd jumping and a few of the more excited (read: drunk) members of the crowd started moshing down the front. A great listen for fans of New Found Glory and lovers of powerful pop-punk.

Main supports Francesqa strode onto stage to the sound of screams, ready to showcase their home-grown British talent in our fine Rock City. Fans were treated to a performance of their never recorded track ‘Move Your Hands’ which is only available on YouTube as a live clip. Finishing their gone-too-quick set with the musically beautiful ‘October’ these boys sure know how to warm up a crowd.

Finally, Kids in Glass Houses arrive as the main attraction – kicking off their set with the title track from their new album ‘In Gold Blood’ as the crowd exploded into a circus of jumping, screaming and dancing. They show off their new brass section on track ‘For Better or Hearse’ and it’s easy to see why the boys are so proud of their change in sound. What impresses most about Kids in Glass Houses is their sheer enthusiasm and their loyal fans – who sing along religiously to every song.

Darkness swept the room midway through the set whilst theband continued to play with instruments illuminated by glow-in-the-dark tape, UV paints and glow sticks. Aled emerged from a stage dive covered in face paint, screaming out ‘Haunt the Haunted’ and drenching an ecstatic audience with paint and water. The boys finished off an incredible set with crowd pleaser ‘Matters At All’ and were joined on stage by everyone from Blitz Kids, Save Your Breath and Francesqa. Their new material was made for shows like this – a great night for UK music.

Platform Rating

9/10

Sarah Mitchell – Platform Online

Tags: Blitz Kids, francesqa, kids in glass houses, nottingham, platform, review, rock city, Save Your Breath