by Michael Baggs

Tags: Kindness

Kindness @ Heaven, London, 07/10/2012

'A near-flawless experiment in feel-good funk'

 

Kindness @ Heaven, London, 07/10/2012

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In another reality, the biggest album of the year is Kindness' insanely brilliant debut album World, You Need A Change Of Mind.

Sadly, in our One Direction-led market, the Londoner's debut hasn't had enough of a look in from the music-listening general public - slipping somewhat under the radar, despite early Mercury Music Prize nomination buzz.

Commercial success didn't stop last night's Heaven gig being any less of a celebration however, as Adam Bainbridge and his spectacular live band performed a brief but brilliant show. The frontman laughed off the short show however, telling fans: "It's hard doing a long set when your album only lasts 41 minutes. We're going to play for at least 41 minutes!"

He then reassured the audience that, "It's about quality not quantity," but no one was complaining and the show needed no explanation. The audience (who looked like an art college had exploded in the centre of London) celebrated every brilliant Kindness track, greeting each song like their favourite from the album. Toss in a balloon drop at the end of the show and you're approaching levels of hysteria usually impossible to pull from such an achingly fashionable crowd.

Kindness extended their 41 minutes with a handful of brilliant cover-version interludes as the female backing singers took the reigns for covers of classic Pointer Sisters, Aaliyah, Anita Baker and Luniz tracks - all blended seemlessly into the show. The girls also took the lead on party anthem 'It's Alright', one of of a string of highlights that was so good, that Kindess returned to the stage for a second run through of the track as an encore.

World, You Need A Change Of Mind may not have chalked up the sales many had hoped, but Kindness and his distinct brand of hipster-soul are one of the word of mouth success stories of the year. A near-flawless experiment in feel-good funk.

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