The Young Knives - The Decision Video

The Young Knives
The Decision
Video Stream

The Young Knives finish off the year's success with the return of club hit 'The Decision', previously released on limited edition 7" in 2005. Featuring some of the greatest off-kilter lyrics you're likely to hear this year (key line -"I am the Prince of Wales / And if all else fails / I am the Prince of Wales."), this is destined to become a true classic. From the moment the first pounding drum rips through the opening guitar line, there's a sense of urgency at work of almost theatrical proportions. Lead vocal duties are taken by bassist The House Of Lords who delivers a performance quite indicative of his title. There is an untamed ferocity to his delivery on the verses, softened only by brother Henry's gorgeous, other-worldly melody on the chorus.

Much of the song's character comes from its quintessential Englishness. A subtle eccentricity and a quiet, indefinable sadness to the song that more than any clichéd lyric, or naff fish and chips gesture, creates something of real class and poignancy. 'The Decision' could hail as classic pop from any time in the last 25 years, yet somehow fits impeccably now: certainly better than the ill-tailored, tweed suits worn by the band.

Pop music, yes. But most certainly not throwaway.

The Young Knives tour the UK in October with support from The Grates and Polytechnic:
October 13th Bristol Thelka
October 14th Woking Quake
October 15th Leeds Cockpit
October 16th Colchester Essex University
October 17th Brighton Concorde 2
October 18th York Fibbers
October 19th Stoke Sugarmill
October 21st Cardiff Barfly
October 22nd Glasgow Barfly (MTV2)
October 23rd Newcastle Academy 2
October 24th Manchester Academy 3
October 26th Birmingham Academy 2
October 27th Liverpool Academy 2
October 28th Nottingham Rescue Rooms
October 30th London Astoria
October 31st Oxford Zodiac