Kids On TV are a dance-punk/queer-core quartet based out of Toronto. The band is lead by bassist John Caffery, as well as DJ/producer “Minus Smile”, guitarist “Wolf”, and Roxanne Luchak who mixes live video samples. In fact, Kids On TV are more than a band. They thrive off postmodern multimedia and the culture of Web 2.0, creating performance art, dance videos, film, and a variety of musical mash-ups. They transform the idea of a live concert into a space for artistic output and carefree dancing. Kids On TV have also done remixes and collaborations with the likes of Yo Majesty, Lesbians on Ecstasy, and even Boy George. They’ve been around since 2003, and with the release of their sophomore album Shape Shifting Mutants they are now gaining momentum and expanding their fan base.

Shape Shifting Mutants explores a vast array of electronic genres, including rave/house and dance-punk/experimental techniques. The overall sound ranges from an indie queer-core merger with MSTRKRFT or Justice, to a spastic electronica suggestive of Crystal Castles, dd/mm/yyyy, or Of Montreal. Although there are only seven songs, the album is very diverse and always catchy. Lyrical content comments upon themes of homosexuality, and also refers to Canadian popular culture, dance music, and break-dancing/hip-hop traditions. Tracks such as “Still On About Keith Cole” and “Goodbye Horses” display prominent dance bass lines and amusing rhythms.

The album also comes with Remixes Vol. 1, a collection of remixes from their first album Mixing Business With Pleasure, as well as tracks from Shape Shifting Mutants and other extras. Remixes Vol. 1 may even be more entertaining than the new full-length, as it combines a ten song assortment for almost fifty minutes of bonus dance party. Check out “The Company/Clothes Off” as remixed by PDF Format, or a Kids On TV original titled “Rock The Like” for another reason why you should love this band!