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by Miranda Iossifidis
This being the Movielife’s first venture to the UK, the Mean Fiddler (grr) is packed tonight, and first on to whet the audience’s appetite are Kids Near Water. Not great talkers, they quickly get down to doing what they do best; the music. And how good that music is. Never disappointing, KNW’s brand of angular screamy ‘post rock’ (think the kidz are calling it post-hardcore arent they? - ed) with a healthy dosage of melody entices all. With faultless renditions of songs off their much-acclaimed EPs, their perfection lies in the raw emotion their music possesses. Even when the singer forgets the words no one really cares.

Even if the Movielife had impersonated slugs for the whole set, the crowd would have lapped it up, such is the general enthusiasm and excitement when they hit the stage. But luckily for us they are a passionate bunch, with singer Vinnie Caruana knowing how to work an audience much like a car salesman knows how to lure his, whilst guitarists Brandon, Alex and Phil spend their time fervently bouncing round the stage. The set comprises mostly of their last LP ‘This Time Next Year’ and their hardcore tinged melodic punk works a treat, highlights being ‘Pinky Swear’ and ‘Once In A Row’. The Movielife also indulge us with a new song, a slow burner with a beautiful vocal melody that escalates into their recognisable sound, albeit in more professionally, ensuring their musical future is bright.

Rather disappointingly, they neglect their grittier debut LP ‘It’s Go Time’ in favour of the poppier recently released ‘The Movielife have a gambling problem’ EP which is somewhat weaker than previous material. Of course, this is until the encore when they play ‘Dead To The World’ triumphantly, unsure whether the crowd know it. This fact leaves a nagging feeling as to whether the Movielife trust their fans, but is nevertheless justifiable seeing as they have never really had much promotion over here, and the LP isn’t on general release. So soon the nagging feeling goes, and you’re left with a band that play flawless melodic punk, putting their label mates New Found Glory to shame.

A band that know how to make a gig feel like a party. A very good party, where your legs ache afterwards, in the nicest way possible.

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The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

post hardcore sounds so wanky, come on is anyone with me on this?

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

Wanky? Can you elaborate on this one? I've used the term post-hardcore for years - to me, it brings to mind bands that're fronted, or feature people who used to be in hardcore bands - like Fugazi - a band that have a more intelligent approach to writing music, that's not balls-out rage but rather a more mature sound. Kids Near Water may qualify but I'm more inclined to label them Emo, whatever it actually means. (interesting, this - had a chat with Joe from Garrison about Emo and from what I can gather the Americans have a VERY different interpretation to our 'passionate, melodic rock' interpretation. To them, Emo is anything emotional and even refer to the mighty CONVERGE as emo!)

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

I was just talking about the actual term, I love lots of bands that are often called ‘post hardcore’, it’s just that I have trouble with it. I mean I think of it, like you, as bands that come from a hardcore background, but it’s often used to describe all sorts of (good) music from hot water music to Benton falls (who are completely different!), and just with all labels it’s gotten a bit twisted. The term ‘emo’ pisses me off too, because all good music is emotional, damnit! Essentially I just hate labels and I find it hard to describe the bands I love in such pigeon holey ways. But when it comes down to the boil it has to be done. Sigh. on another note, it musta been cool chatting to garrison! i'm envious.

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

totally agree with you Mat. u in Leeds? don't suppose u know Jen Chubb do ya!? or any of 'and none of them knew they were robots'?
oh also get wot u mean miranda. bed...
x

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

i like 'and none of them knew they were robots'.. got one of their EPlike things. good band them.

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

No, I'm 'based' in Manchester but you can often find me at gigs anywhere. In the past three days I've been to gigs in York, Leeds & Derby and yes I am knackered. Expect an interview with Garrison on the site soon!
More specific to the article which this thread's about I saw The Movielife last night and they were amazing!! Even if I did drop my phone down the front and lose my sim card & battery! Doh!

Re: The Movielife + Kids Near Water - London The Mean Fiddler

i miss gigs in Leeds and York!
wicked up there!