Young Fathers - White Men Are Black Men Too (Album Review)
Monday, 20 April 2015
Written by Huw Baines
When Young Fathers were being implored to smile by photographers after winning the Mercury Prize last year, another barrier was erected. Their reaction after scooping the award was not acceptable to some, who expected bowing and scraping, gushing and tears. To another faction, ‘Dead’, their winning record, hadn’t shifted enough units to merit the victory. Their music was too complex, too “intense” for others.
For a band who prize communication and understanding, the aftermath of their win must have been a little bewildering, if not surprising. But the ‘Mercury winners’ tag does afford them a fresh platform, a wider reach than before. It’s one they utilise beautifully on their second album in quick succession, ‘White Men Are Black Men Too’. As its predecessor was, it’s a freewheeling, impossible-to-classify blur of styles welded to the trio’s sense of melodic purpose.
“I don't think any of us don’t believe that there’s still more ears to be opened. That’s why we’re out here, so people listen,” Kayus Bankole recently told Noisey.
Young Fathers are out to draw on the full spectrum of experience, rejecting aggression in favour of dialogue. They bring the same attitude to the table in terms of composition, imbuing each song here with a sense of urgency and pop zeal.
Much like their live shows - during which their bodies become blurs of idiosyncratic movement, their lyrics delivered with eye-contact and a search for recognition - ‘White Men Are Black Men Too’ utilises immediacy and skyscraping hooks to deliver its messages. The idea that pop music and social commentary don’t mix is an odd one, and Young Fathers understand that. What better medium is there for communicating clearly and in a manner that will stick?
“Been all around, tasted pleasure,” runs the glorious Nest. “Took a little something from nothing. Made it into something for someone.” There is anger here too. Still Runnin’ collates imagery that could represent any one of the world’s conflicts, while looking back at some of Alloysious Massaquoi’s earliest memories of Liberia: “You’re gonna die in my arms. Hiding from the torture. Fire’s what you’re under.” The words, though, are held aloft by the first of many euphoric melodies. You can keep your Mercury curse. This band isn’t going anywhere.
Young Fathers Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed May 20 2015 - GLASGOW Art School Glasgow
Thu May 21 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Think Tank at Riverside
Fri May 22 2015 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Sat May 23 2015 - GALLOWAY Knockengorroch
Mon May 25 2015 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
Tue May 26 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Wed May 27 2015 - CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
Thu May 28 2015 - LONDON KOKO
Fri May 29 2015 - BRIGHTON Haunt
Sun May 31 2015 - SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
Mon June 01 2015 - GLOUCESTER Guildhall
Tue June 02 2015 - OXFORD O2 Academy Oxford
Wed June 03 2015 - BIRMINGHAM Hare and Hounds
Thu June 04 2015 - STOKE Sugarmill
Fri June 05 2015 - NORWICH Arts Centre
Sat June 06 2015 - SHEFFIELD O2 Academy Sheffield
Sun June 07 2015 - LIVERPOOL Kazimier
Click here to compare & buy Young Fathers Tickets at Stereoboard.com.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
