Concert Review: King Krule at Johnny Brenda’s 12/7/13

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by Kirsten Becker

I could be the biggest King Krule fan I know. Since discovering him in 2011 I have been completely obsessed with his completely unique brand of music. King Krule is largely a “love it or hate it” kind of artist, but there’s no denying his incredible talent. Archy Marshall, the 19-year old mastermind behind the project has created a sound all his own. His thick South East London accent doused in heavy reverb combined with hip hop beats and minimalist guitar riffs creates an almost dream-like kind of music. For someone so young, it’s almost astounding how intricately crafted each song on his debut LP 6 Feet Beneath the Moon really is.

Marshall’s December 7th stop in Philadelphia at Johnny Brenda’s was part of his first headlining tour in America, so it was obviously something I had been looking forward to for sometime. To add to the excitement, the show sold out months beforehand.

TOPS opened the show with their 60s-inspired indie rock sound. The Montreal band features ethereal and breathy vocals from Jane Penny over punchy pop guitars and drums. They played songs off of their first full length album, Tender Opposites, which came out last year.

Entering the stage at a little past 11 PM, King Krule took control with their moody brand of indie rock. The band played most of their songs from 6 Feet Beneath the Moon as well as some tracks from their 2011 self-titled EP, most notably the single “The Noose of Jah City.” The dim lighting added to the band’s dark aesthetic and Marshall’s frantic dance moves were a sight to see.

What really shone through was the talent of the band overall. Each member had fine tuned each riff and melody, everything just seemed to click. The show was definitely one of my favorites that I have yet to see. It is looking like things can only get better for King Krule, the wild success of his first album has catapulted him into the spotlight for sure.

Last Official Chart of 2013, 12/2 – 12/9

1 LOS CAMPESINOS! – No Blues
2 DUCKTAILS – Wish Hotel [EP]
3 TENNIS – Small Sound [EP]
4 CULTS – Static
5 ANTHONY GREEN – Young Legs
6 YUCK – Glow And Behold
7 OF MONTREAL – Lousy With Sylvianbriar
8 KING KRULE – 6 Feet Beneath The Moon
9 WOODEN SHJIPS – Back To Land
10 BLOOD ORANGE – Cupid Deluxe
11 DR. DOG – B-Room
12 GRINGO STAR – Floating Out To See
13 POLICA – Shulamith
14 WHITE DENIM – Corsicana Lemonade
15 DIANE COFFEE – My Friend Fish
16 HEAD AND THE HEART – Let’s Be Still
17 MARIJUANA DEATHSQUADS – Oh My Sexy Lord
18 MINOR ALPS – Get There
19 PHANTOGRAM – Phantogram [EP]
20 NOBUNNY – Secret Songs: Reflections From The Ear Mirror
21 CASS MCCOMBS – Big Wheel And Others
22 FUZZ – Live In San Francisco
23 SLEIGH BELLS – Bitter Rivals
24 COURTNEY BARNETT – The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas
25 KEVIN DEVINE – Bubblegum
26 NOAH AND THE WHALE – Heart Of Nowhere
27 DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR. – The Speed Of Things
28 MOONFACE – Julia With Blue Jeans On
29 HAIM – Days Are Gone
30 RED FANG – Whales And Leeches