Kill It Kid – Send Me An Angel Down
Being at the Beeb (I’ve mentioned my time there a few times – I didn’t realise working could be so much fun), Kill It Kid were coming in to record a live session for one of Tom Robinson‘s Introducing shows. I was really skeptical once hearing their name. I’m not a big fan of it, maybe if I knew why they are called this it may help things, but when these really cool, young ex-students from Bath came in with an eclectic line of instruments including violin, djembe and steel guitar I knew (at least, hoped) that these guys were going to be something different.
As it happens they were recording an ‘acoustic’ session so there was no drum kit or electric guitar. It was really nice and they played ‘Send Me An Angel Down’, which instantly won me over. It wasn’t until I listened to the album kindly donated to me by their radio promoter that I really started to love them. The sound is HUGE. It is the heaviest folk I had ever heard. I love the album – a satisfying mind-fuck of very heavy to very quiet, delicate sections. The songwriting and arrangements are so unique, there are so many lush chords and little sections that I’d love to talk about, I’m sure this won’t be the last post talking about one of their songs.
So I ended up seeing them live at one of Tom Robinson’s anniversary concerts at the Riverside Studios, and quite literally, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe I was seeing such ridiculous levels of energy and musicianship. I was trying not to look at the drummer all the time, but I couldn’t help it, he is phenomenal and it was a joy seeing this man rock out so hard. Full respect. Front-man Chris Turpin and Stephanie Ward’s vocals are fantastic, their banter after a technological error was hilarious and overall, the performance was just incredible. So rare do I never want concerts to end, and this gig was of such quality.
In ‘Send Me An Angel Down’, I love the chord and change of timbre first heard at 1:13 where Chris sings “Lord“. The drum buildup before he sings this is great and I love the harmonised violins sustained over the pause straight after. The string arrangements are so brilliantly delicate. Effortlessly perfect. I love them. This is one band I’d love us to play with.
My Fave Bit 
I saw them support Foy Vance and they was amazing! Totally massive sound and boy can that guy singer! He stood on stage on introduced the band in a sweet little voice and then took everyone by surprise when he started singing!!