Hailing from Cardiff, Kids in Glass Houses have been around since forming in 2004. Although never releasing an album until this year and purveying their ‘live’ wares supporting such epic bands as Lost Prophets and Funeral For a Friend. Putting in so much groundwork on the ‘live’ scene and gathering so many fans along the way.

Tonight saw the band grace the stage at Birmingham Barfly, headlining their first tour and showcasing their debut album ‘Smart Casual’ for the world to see, or Birmingham to see in this case.
Barfly is such an intimate venue and the crowd embraced this, getting ever closer to the stage so they could lean forward and touch ‘Aled’ the lead vocalist.

The venue was overflowing with pubescent girls with ‘The Blackout’ or ‘Lost Prophets’ t-shirts on, just shows support slots do pay off!!

I was quite surprised at the capacity, especially as it was a very rainy Wednesday evening in Brum, didn’t seem to bother anyone, the queue was like a side winding snake, turning at every corner as it gained momentum outside the venue.

The gig was described as 14+ so you can imagine what I experienced. I was even asked for I.D. which I don’t mock at all, even though I am way over 18!!! Well done to the staff at the Barfly for checking!!

Support slot for this tour was given to punk pop band Valencia, hailing from Philadelphia. Another band who have earnt their stripes and reputation by touring constantly and playing the ‘live’ scene. Touring the U.S. and Japan and even gaining a credible support slot on Tourzilla which was headlined by Boys and Girls. Their reputation definitely goes before them having gained a niche on the up and coming Warped Tour which zips all over the States this June.
Valencia


Valencia’s set was brief to say the least, a 6 song set lasting approx 30 mins. BUT, they did what they were paid for, they whipped the crowd up in to such a frenzy, it was like a piranha attack!! The last few songs were completely mental, I have never seen so many people moshing and screaming.


click the picture to see the photo's

The band were in awe of the crowd, standing on speakers at every opportunity, wielding their guitars like tribesmen’s spears in the bush ready for an attack., so passionate and exuberant on stage, taking up every inch of the stage and covering every corner: No wonder the Lead vocalist looked like he’d just run the London Marathon!! Sweat dripping from his brow with screams from all the girls on the front row.
The last song saw the bass player launch himself into the crowd, I was praying they didn’t drop him, otherwise it would’ve meant a trip to Dudley Road!

Valencia produced a fantastic set, which gave me an appetite for more. Well worth the entrance fee on their own.



click the picture to see the photo's

I was chomping at the bit for Kids in Glass Houses to storm the stage and bring me to my knees after Valencia’s blistering performance.

A 60 min onslaught was to begin, showcasing songs from debut album ‘Smart Casual’.

The set List consisted of:
Fisticuffs
Girls
Good boys
Easy T
Lovely B’s
Saturday
Shameless
Be Nice
Pillow
Church
Raise Hell
Me Me Me
I must admit to seeing KIGH’s before at Full Ponty 2007, they were one of the bands that actually stood out for me on the day, so I guess I knew what to expect from this evening. Passion, Zeal, Ardour, Excitement, yeah all of those rolled in to one and they didn’t disappoint.

The audience lapped up every single song, reminding me of a little puppy dog waiting for it’s next walk. Mouthing lyrics with such fanaticism, it was superb to witness.

Arms waving for just one touch of ‘Aled’, each young girl willing him to stand on the barrier so they could grab their hero!!

This band have come such a long way in the short span of three years, good luck to them cause they’ve definitely earnt their place up their on a pedestal with the likes of Wales finest Lost Prophets and Funeral For a Friend.

Just goes to show perseverance does pay off.

Kids In Glass Houses - Home

Review of Smart Casual album