O. Children… Here’s looking at U. Kid

Live review: O. Children, Camden Barfly

Published on November 12th, 2013 | Luke Cartledge

Halloween suits O. Children. Although in recent years they have embraced pastel shades and brighter soundscapes, the jet-black heart of their eponymous debut still beats just beneath the surface of everything they do.

As they take to the stage at Camden Barfly, resplendent in neon wigs and ill-fitting frocks, their garish appearance is somewhat at odds with the ominous rumble of opener “Ruins”.

This does not, however, detract from the shuddering impact they have from the outset. Frontman Tobi O’Kandi is in fine voice, his growling baritone filling the room.

The band pound powerfully through their set, largely shunning onstage chat in favour of attention to musical detail and just the right balance between nonchalance and unselfconscious energy.

Although they play a good portion of second album Apnea, to these ears it is the tracks from their debut that shine brightest this evening.

“Heels” is monstrous, showing off the upper echelons of O’Kandi’s voice to thrilling effect, and “Dead Disco Dancer” has not lost the slinking goth-funk appeal that attracted so many to this band in the first place.

O. Children keep their impeccably tight set stylishly short and sweet, leaving a far cooler impression on the Camden crowd than four ex-goths wearing charity shop dresses have any right to.

Rocksucker says: Four Quails out of Five!

Artists: o children

About the Author

Luke Cartledge A musician, student and novelty Northerner in London, Luke spends most of his time obsessing over music of all types, studying at Goldsmiths University and getting lost on public transport.