Kid Karate – Irish Band Of The Week

If there was an award for most unique band description, the award would probably go to Kid Karate, who liken their sound to ‘Mike Tyson serenading his wife with a heavy metal cover of Abba’s ‘Waterloo’. So, there’s that. However, the reality is that their inspiration is as broad and far-reaching as that description, drawing on such as The Black Keys and The White Stripes – there’s a rawness to their sound with jazz-funk undertones. It’s a storm-in-a-teacup sound, rapturous but controlled and finessed with just a dash of dance beats thrown in for good measure.

Hailing from Dublin, the band comprised of Kevin Breen (Guitar, Vocals), Steven Gannon (Drums, Percussion), and Ian McFarlane (Bass, Vibes) is already receiving a few crucial nods from the likes of Hot Press and The Irish Times. Indeed, their wide ranging set and their talent to craft a perfectly balanced song confirms their talents as musicians and song-writers, a listen to their discography is a masterclass in how to make rock appeal to the masses. This aesthetic continues on into their live performances, having already been described as manic and explosive with club promoters warning guests, “Expect to get the heads blown off you”.

The band have already been on the typical Irish festival circuit but most notably they’ll be performing at Electric Picnic, no small feat for any band but no doubt the boys will make the most of it.

If you need something to shake you out of your Monday Blues then I strongly suggest either giving their amazing cover of Childish Gambino’s ‘Redbone’ a listen:

Or, to get a taste of what they’re really about, be sure to check-out ‘No Way’.