As Absent Parachute began their high energy set at Leeds Oporto Bar on Tuesday 8th March, I sat down with Liverpool quartet, Clean Cut Kid. Of course, the noise of which made an audible interview difficult, meaning that the intimate downstairs space next to the toilets became a strangely perfect setting for a chat about Springsteen, The Beatles and karaoke.
The band has emphatic chemistry. They are energetic, welcoming and friendly, the conversation with them falling more into something amongst mates than the formalities of an interview. This rallying and enthusiastic attitude is more than evident in their music; the first single ‘Vitamin C’ was what sent Clean Cut Kid into a summer of festivals including Latitude and a personal favorite of theirs, Secret Garden Party. 2016 appears to be no different, with the band due to feature at Live at Leeds, Great Escape Festival and Barn On The Farm. On asking which of these appeals to them most, Eve seemed to show certain affection towards Barn on the Farm, the “dead picturesque” setting of which as next to an emu farm being seen as a definitive strong point. The idea of a crowd singing to their songs alongside emus does, definitely, have an appeal. Yet it seems the band has more than these festivals in its sights, the four hinting at some ‘big “exciting” announcements due soon which could, hopefully, push the band into more deserved spotlight.
Upon being asked what their ideal festival line up would be, however, there was continuity in that both Eve and Joss were desperate for a Springsteen headliner, Joss going as far to say he would be happy with four hours of a Springsteen set alone. Similarly, the band all agreed they would love an Arcade Fire or Flaming Lips set, Mike saying that their, psychedelic, “open legged woman” graphic used on stage was something the band could possibly look into for themselves. But, despite jokes, Clean Cut Kid’s influences are no a secret. Their musical roots bleed through their music; Saul and Mike are born and bred Scousers meaning they had the colourful musical upbringing that makes their music what it is. Saul spoke about how The Beatles lyrics are engrained in their minds, and how “there must be a Beatles for every city”, inspiring those who think “if they can do it and they’re from here and there’s four of them, we can probably do it too.”
The bands somewhat ironic name arises from a song of Bob Dylan’s, from his 1985 Empire Burlesque album, something front man Mike came up with whilst experimenting with pedals and electric and deciding on the bands existence. But, my question regarding the bands name is not a rare one, Ross joking about the frustration of fans arriving at gigs expecting a “clean cut” band, and being met with very much the opposite. Apparently, the beards and hair came as the band grew, similarly to the fact that their songs are “essentially folk songs stripped back”. The band’s image and sound is something grown from a “cleaner” starting point from the bands “founder” Mike.
But it was the video for the latest single, ‘Pick Me Up’ which prompted insight into the inner playlists of the band. The video sells the tune as a “whistle while your work” moment, provoking the question “what are your whistle while you work tunes?” True to form, Springsteen was indeed up there. Although, Eve did go into details about tidying her entire flat to the Fickle Friends album, a well timed choice considering they were supporting the band that night. The real question ended up being, “what is your karaoke song?” Characteristic to Saul, it seemed, he committed to Gloria Gaynor’s classic ‘I will survive’, something I could entirely imagine given his massively enthusiastic strange presence. Eve’s choice came similarly under the ballad radar, with Heart’s ‘Alone’ whereas Joss, branded a “Dad” was keen on a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’. Embarrassingly, this did lead to me having to admit to my own choice being ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, which I politely declined a small performance of.
To transition from sitting down with a band and feeling entirely comfortable in their company to seeing them on stage as a completely different and professional presence could be a rare feat. Clean Cut Kid literally change from creating a crowd that sings back their tunes word for word with energy and movement to jumping off the stage and chatting to anyone at the bar. Their music is as uplifting as their character.
Amelia Whyman