Head of Steam was the venue, and I was really looking forward to seeing The Chapman Family. My first visit to this venue and seeing this particular band live. First up was Warning!, three young lads from Gateshead, loud, energetic and exciting and getting the evening off to a great start. Next came Tissue Culture, who I'd caught once before. This 6 piece from Newcastle gave a sound performance with their own brand of 'ShoegazeMathPop'.
Headliners The Chapman Family were touring to promote their new EP, 'Cruel Britania'. This 5 piece from Stockton, all suited and booted in black, like a showbiz mafia, started with the powerfully venomous 'Into the Breach', a new track not from the EP. With the frontman's charismatic, sultry tone and dramatically flailing arm gestures, I was reminded of Smiths frontman, Morrissey. They went on to play most of the new EP and some firm favourites to an appreciative crowd.
The next Chapman Family 'event' was at mima Art Gallery in Middlesbrough, and it was obvious that it was going to be different from the previous week's gig. A collaboration with artist Stella Vine, who had painted the amazing backdrop for tonight's set, a tearful Wonder Woman, seemingly pleading the refrain from new EP track 'No More Tears' on behalf of the modern world's afflicted. Being a (near) hometown gig it was a sell out, and the performance started with frontman Kingsley sat in front of the stage, at a desk draped with red velvet and fairy lights. Casually talking half to the audience/half to the desktop about his addiction to chocolate, whilst pulling mounds of the stuff from a carrier bag - "Help yourselves, I haven't tainted it in any way", as the Doors' classic 'The End' played at varying speeds in the background. Then things got weird. The singer picked up a plastic bag, put it over his head and pulled it tight, forming different shapes through his laboured breathing. He repeated the process several times, inbetweem each bag having one more "last ever piece of chocolate". The performance mirroring that in the contraversial video for 'Summer Song'. At first I had found it all quite bizarre, but soon realised this was a powerful piece of performance art. Don't try this at home kids.
I had been blown away by this band a week or so earlier, but it was no comparison to tonight's show as there was a real buzz in the air. As they once again burst into their opening track, 'Into the Breach', the music was gloriously deafening. They went on to play songs such as 'This English Life' from their new EP and older favourites from debut album 'Burn Your Town'. Not always stopping between songs but exploding straight into the next. Kingsley has the kind of deep, velvety voice that makes all of us girls drool, as a good (untainted) chocolate bar does, mesmerising the audience. EP title track, 'Cruel Britannia' was well received, the lyrics a scathing attack on modern broken Britain and its ruling classes. The singer, throughout, wrapping the mic wire around his neck, almost to the point of hanging/choking himself. A cover of Morrissey's 'Every Day is Like Sunday' was dedicated, along with a bouquet (nice touch lads) to Stella, which went down well with the appreciative crowd. An absolutely triumphant music/art mash up that I can honestly say was one of the most fascinating gigs that I've ever attended.
The third and final gig of the North East leg of the tour was at the Studio in Hartlepool. An unassuming old church at first sight, but inside had a very modern feel. First up was a group of young lads, Broke the Stereo. It was obvious that their musical inspiration was Two Door Cinema Club, and the cover they did was an exceptional one, (at least thats what my daughter said). They went on to play a few of their own tunes and got a good reception from the gathered few. Following was another local 5 piece, Palace. As they launched into their first song I was reminded of Edwyn Collins. Although there wasn't anything particularly original or noteworthy about either band I did enjoy their sets.
Next up was Watchers, firm favourites of mine, of whom I never tire of listening to or watching. They opened with 'Train Wreck' and, scanning the room, it was great to see people were really taking notice, several making their way forward. The next song took me by surprise, as singer Liam dropped his guitar and picked up the mic. Now really excited, as I'd never before witnessed this, they burst into new song 'Round n Round', the frontman pacing the stage, part caged lion, part demented ringmaster - "Don't be scared. Pull up a chair" he howled, as those who had moved forward, no doubt, flinched and avoided eye contact. Watchers had just taken things to the next level - something I hadn't thought possible. 'Path of Least Resistance' closed their set and it was obvious they'd made some new fans.
It was now time for tonight's headliner (Chapman Family, in case you hadn't guessed!) I thought the turnout a little disappointing, especially after packed to the rafters mima the week before. I was really looking forward to watching them on a bigger stage, (which had been adorned with red velvet drapes (they do like their red velvet) and hand painted distressed Union flags. Although I really enjoyed the performance, I couldn't help but feel that the band, but specifically Kingsley, appeared somewhat deflated. They still went down a storm with the modest crowd, leaving the stage to rapturous applause and cheers.
I would definitely recommend both the album and the EP, and check out 'Summer Song', a phenomonal tune and video. You can catch these guys in August playing Stockton Weekender and Split Festival (Sunderland) in September. You won't be disappointed.
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