Reptile Youth at the Shacklewell Arms

Punk rock shows never got old, they evolved, and in turn proved to us that it isn’t just about aggression, frustration, and fast-paced grunginess of sound, all in a sweat pit of a venue. There is room for expansion and branching out, and perhaps it isn’t all that bad to add some electronica dance music.

Copenhagen’s Reptile Youth are making their way cross Europe, bringing their fun energy and eclectic sound to London last night. As the main event at the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, they didn’t take long to prove why they were the headlining act. Their sound is a blend of American-based electronic acts like MGMT and LCD Soundsystem, with ambient and eclectic vocals, funky punk and alternative rock with solid mixes of electronica and synthesisers. They own an awesome stage presence, and the lead vocalist did not hesitate to get wild, even jumping on a dude’s shoulders and having himself walked around while singing.

This is a typical venue to see a show like this: a stage with a huge dance floor. It was compact and a little bit too personal, and you might’ve had your feet ankle deep in spilt beer and sweat. But regardless of the excess of human body heat, it was all part of the fun that the band brought and no-one seemed to complain.

Reptile Youth really draw a crowd in. They are the type of band you want to dance along to at a party. Even if you try to listen to them walking on the street, you can’t help but dance. With the release of their debut album Rivers That Run for a Sea That Is Gone and the anticipation that they are looking to get to a more alternative sound and away from pop, it will be interesting to see what will become of these guys.

Joe Hoffman
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information and future events visit Reptile Youth’s website here.

Watch the video for Speeddance here: