With: Electric Eel Shock, Presidents of the United States of America
Friday 18th April 2008 @ Academy

What hasn’t already been said about the purveyor of ‘kiddy disco punk’ in our local rags? Last time I saw Kid Carpet, I was opening for him at an electro night; the mashed up crowd went nuts! This older crowd are not so sure. Kid attacks Carrier Bag and There’s A Shoe shamelessly though and the locals soak it up and throw the love back. Apart from his Fisherprice toys (which cause him a bit of trouble tonight) there’s nothing ‘kiddy’ about his performance. Hidden under distorted beats and crude language, there is the occasional love song, making him more than novelty. As Big Jeff joins the stage there is a loud cheer and the Bristol pride swells for this odd couple. Can’t Stop The Pop ends the set like a rallying call. We can’t stop it, so let’s join it: “Clap hands, clap hands, everybody…” Ok, yea!

The other support tonight is Electric Eel Shock. I’m not a fan of c-words, but there’s no other way to say Japanese Cock Rock is there? Their perfected metal poses are appreciated, if not the music. After 15 minutes I’m pretty sure the singer has a snotty nose and as he burps into the mic, I just want them to stop.

The Presidents of the United States of America hit the stage to rapturous applause and 90’s nostalgia. Tonight is all about the sing-along. The crowd lap up big hits Kitty and Peaches and don’t seem to mind that the band now resemble lawyers on their lunch break. Big Jeff’s been waiting twelve years to see them. He seems to be enjoying it, but then, when doesn’t he?

www.kidcarpet.co.uk

Marianna
Photos: Paul O’Connor