Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Film & Music

Media Credit: urbanjacksonville.info Lead singer Reggie Youngblood, and his sister Ali

Every once in awhile I'll stumble across a band or singer that absolutely blows me away. You know what I'm talking about - you fall in love with one or two of their songs, and then spend the next few days of your life obsessively trying to find out as much as you possibly can about them.

This was my experience upon encountering Black Kids, an indie-pop quintet originating in Jacksonville, Florida. It was love at first listen. I don't know if it was the catchy, foot tapping riffs, the exuberant use of synth or the sugary layering of voices, but I was instantly addicted. It didn't take me long to track down their Myspace page, where much to my delight I discovered they had posted their entire four song EP, Wizard of Ahhhs online, available for free download.

Black Kids have been the buzz word in the realm of internet bloggers for quite some time now, even racking up an impressive 8.4 Pitchfork rating for their EP. Their songs are fresh and original, and could probably entice a shoulder shimmy out of even the most prudent of characters. By combining the lo-fi guitar/keyboard sound (think Go! Team) with peppy bass lines and clever lyrics executed in the loveable boy-girl call and response style, Black Kids presents a modernized 1960s Motown pop sound. So between the 'one-two-three-four' countdown in "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance" and the sexy sway of the bass in "Hurricane Jane", it was all over; I was hooked and needed more. After further investigation, I came across the following facts:

1. They are unsigned. (What!?)

2. They're not kids (although they have known each other since childhood), nor is the band all black (and they think it's really hilarious to have such a subversively resonant name. Check out the blog on viceland.com for a thoroughly entertaining interview).

3. The lead singer is a nanny. Or "manny". Still holds this day job.

4. They have drawn comparisons with the Cure, My Bloody Valentine and the Arcade Fire.

5. They have Stars, Diplo, CSS and Daft Punk listed as their top Myspace friends (I wonder if they have Facebook...).

Between their energy, charm and charisma, Black Kids show all the potential of being the Next Big Thing, and I suspect it's only a matter of time before somebody realizes this. So heed my advice and go look them up, because your iPod needs them.

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