I've been intrigued by Young Fathers since catching them BBC coverage from Glastonbury this year. Then I saw them again perform on the Mercury Music Prize ceremony in early September. That was it. I needed to see this band. Why have I not checked them out earlier? Is it the reviews that could not describe them at all appropriately? Well I have rather frustratingly missed out on what I think is the best modern band around. They are dark and intense and sensual and political and serious and ALL IN. A band for me.
After seeing them only for the first time the previous Saturday, I HAD TO SEE THEM AGAIN ASAP. Their UK autumn tour was very brief and so I had to act fast. I decided to see them in Birmingham on the Friday. I travelled over on the lunch hour, finished working at a hotel and then headed to the queue at this beautiful venue. This was much smaller than Hammersmith Apollo so I felt even closer to the group than I did then, even though I was on the barrier both times.
I was again completely intoxicated by this group. They are like a performance troupe the way they bounce off and connect with each other like magnets, like broken wires sparking. They are fascinating to witness and to be scooped up into the world that they create. I can't wait to see them again and am honestly considering going to see them in Chicago in April.