Declan McKenna @ NAC
A young talent with a bright future ahead of him
Declan McKenna is just 17 years old, but has already graced the stage at Norwich Arts Centre as Blossoms’ opening act last October. Since then, he’s supported Foals in Paris, received praise globally and revamped his live show, adding a backing band to what used to be a solo act. Courtesy of Pony Up, I went along to check him out as well as some fine up-and-coming local talent too.
Riot grrrl rock outfit Peach Club kick things off. Their line-up has gradually expanded from a solo act to a foursome and tonight they sound better than ever. Frontwoman Katie Gilbert’s adlibs come across a little awkward but nerves hardly stifle the message that can only sound strong from ambitious tempo hikes and fiery lyrics like “You don’t like me? / Tough shit, I love me!”
Next, Dazy Crown deliver lo-fi, surf beats, with a sound similar to Mac DeMarco and Courtney Barnett. Intermittent technical issues cause frustration throughout, but frontman Thomas Little’s natural stage presence and warm Canadian accent go hand-in-hand with the laidback vibe of his music. His perfect comic timing makes more than the best from a bad situation, and everyone has a great time.
Declan McKenna isn’t even 18 yet, but from the confidence with which he performs tonight, you wouldn’t know it. The only allusion might come from the twinkling fairy lights which adorn his equipment, bringing an aura of delightful innocence to the room. He opens with Brew, solo, before a guitarist, bassist and drummer join, all as fresh faced as their frontman. From the very start, the elaborate details of this young talent’s music are clear to see (and hear), and there’s no wonder in anyone’s minds as to why he’s been the subject of so much hype.
Basic highlights McKenna’s smooth vocals before the bittersweet Paracetamol shows off the 8-bit, video game audio style that makes his material so compelling. As one of his two singles to date, it also gets the first sing along of the night. An as of yet unreleased “really new song about war and shit”, The Kids Don’t Wanna Go Home, sticks in mind as a positive sign of what’s to come; it’s powerful, it’s danceable and the maturity and nonchalance with which McKenna performs it impresses beyond belief. His irresistible charm and honestly funny quips – including such gems as “it’s so friendly in here! We’re used to having things thrown at us, like live human children” – are refreshingly entertaining.
Set closer/debut single Brazil is met with a wave of enthusiasm from the small but enthusiastic audience. “People actually know it!” he exclaims, before diving into its lush, downbeat melodies. No one is stood still by the end of the night, a deserved reaction to a young talent with a bright future ahead of him.
