A near-capacity crowd packed into the Brudenell Social Club on Friday night, eager for a night of sharp-witted, high-energy indie rock. Support came from Max Blansjaar, who quickly won over the audience with his personable charm and endearing stage presence. His indie-rock set was tight and engaging, but it was his between-song patter that truly sealed the deal – effortlessly funny and self-deprecating, he had the crowd laughing along and, by the end of his set, completely under his spell.
Then came Young Knives, bursting onto the stage with electrifying energy, launching straight into Fit 4 U and setting the tone for the hour or so that followed. The setlist was a thrilling dive through their entire back catalogue, moving from angular, punk-infused power pop to moments of almost chaotic looseness, only to snap back into razor-sharp, propulsive riffs. Tracks like Weekends and Bleak Days (Hot Summer) and The Decision had the room bouncing, while their encore of She’s Attracted To delivered one last adrenaline hit.
Equally thrilling were the songs from their latest album Landfill, which showcased their ambition and creativity. Dissolution was a brooding highlight, while Ugly House – introduced by explaining it was indeed about ‘ugly house’ they once lived and worked in was a brilliant moment of intensity and ambition. But perhaps the biggest standout from the new material was Your Car Has Arrived, which bristled with energy and urgency, quickly establishing itself as a fan favorite.
The crowd was in raptures throughout, feeding off the duo’s relentless energy. A particularly fun moment came when a member of the audience was invited onstage to take over bass duties, as Tom (aka House of Lords) handed over his instrument for one song – a spontaneous, joyous moment that encapsulated the spirit of the night. Meanwhile, quite apart from his urgent, spiky guitar lines, Henry Dartnall’s vocals, veering between howling urgency and soaring melody, combined with Tom’s harmonies to create a thrilling, dynamic performance.
If you’ve never seen Young Knives live, it’s time to put that right. They remain one of the most fiercely entertaining and consistently brilliant bands on the circuit – don’t miss your chance to experience it for yourself.
