Reviews

Which is precisely why The Young Knives are so captivating: there is no conceivable way that they’ve been punching anyone’s dad. The fantasy of the song encapsulates the zeal of a band that romanticise about old England and cut through the flimsy veneer of modern life with sharp, sharp melodies and equally pointed lyrics.

The Young Knives (c) Shirlaine Forrest

Tonight, a raft of new songs, such as Up All Night (which is like a cuddly Rocket From The Crypt) and the deeply harmonious Turn Tail, are interspersed with "classic Young Knives from the top 40", as Henry wryly observes of the band’s outsider status. It’s a winning strategy, as the short set never drags, the song order is skilfully chosen and the stagemanship is top drawer.

And so back to the end. "Who are these people? They are too stupid to be your real parents" kicks off She’s Attracted To. It’s the perfect summary of the band: the classic tale of boy meets girl, boy meets girl’s parents, boy accused of being terrorist by girl’s father, boy fights father while girl shouts at mother.

The Young Knives (c) Shirlaine Forrest

You might think that three tweedy guys playing caustic, harmonious post-punk on subjects like the wool-dying industry sound a little ridiculous, but their genuinely interesting lyrics, polished vocals and truly cohesive music are all punctuated with an inclusive wit and attitude. They’re treading the same water as British Sea Power, talking in a uniquely British language of self-effacing charm about love, life and lost industries.

Best of all, there’s a rich vein of self-mockery running though the Young Knives’ faux-establishment demeanour. Seeing them makes a pleasant change from witnessing the self-aware skinny-boy Fratelli fraternity.

Genial and warm, intelligent and talented, they were robbed of the Mercury Music Prize. Perhaps the powers that be can make amends by awarding genuine peerages to all three.