Next was Dirty White Fever. They were also a two piece. But unlike the previous band. They were all show. With a full-on honed rock performance, with heavy drumming and frantic guitars. I enjoyed them.

Closing the evening was Swampmother. I’d listened to a few of her tracks beforehand and liked a few and disliked a few. Live it wasn’t as extreme. I didn’t here anything I disliked. But I also wasn’t overly enthused by the performance. I’m not sure she usually performs with a band. Any I have to admit, I left early. So I might have missed the songs that I’d enjoyed at the pre-listen

Starting the week was Kingsley Chapman with his new band. Featuring Kingsley’s usual intense delivery and politically charged songs. His new band sees him move away from the post-punk sound of his ‘Family’ incarnation to more introspective ballads with flamboyant piano, intense guitars, trumpets and double drums. It’s a many layered intense sound that manages to match Kingsley’s emotional strong vocals.

It’s also really good to see a vocalist who is a lead vocalist. At times he does play guitar. But he’s happy to put the guitar down and fully commit to his vocal performance. Something that’s sadly lacking with many current indie bands

I like this band a lot. They can only get better.

Amatr Art supporting Kingsley Chapman

Pre-gig huddle

Kingsley Chapman and the Murder

Black Gold Buffalo were still playing when I arrived. They seemed to have their friends and fans out and the place was packed. They had a poppy sound. Not really my type of music, but I though it was done very well. I thought the lead singer did a great job and they sounded pretty good.

Next up was Big Deal. I’m not a big fan of theirs. They have a nice enough sound and a few catchy songs. I saw them last year and quiet enjoyed them but they didn’t convert me into a far. But as they were playing for free I thought I’d give them another go.

Although the crowd thinned out after the support act. Their short set was well received. I think they were playing a payed gig the next day do probably used the evening as a warm-up for their own tour. Unfortunately, for me, I’m more familiar with the first album and most of the songs were from their last album. Only playing the excellent Talk off the first album. But it was still and enjoyable evening.

Holland

Chapman Family