THE PRINCE OF WALES, FALMOUTH (12TH APRIL)

THE CHINASKI EFFECT
THE LUCKY POLARBEARS

THE CHINASKI EFFECT & THE LP`S

Reviewed by Beccy Melling

It was my first visit to the Prince of Wales, and I was pleasantly surprised. Its a small, intimate venue that leaves the audience no option but to participate, or leave, there is no escaping the music!

Luckily, there was no need to escape, as first up were newcomers The LPs, a Camborne trio consisting of Phil Marshall on guitar and vocals, Craig Broad on bass and Luke James on drums. Roused by the enthusiasm of the capacity crowd they launched into their set. It was the first time I`ve seen the LPs, and they certainly made an impression, nodding to their influences (Sonic Youth, Pavement, Lemonheads and Pixies) whilst retaining an original sound. Phil`s was the kind of soulful voice that made you aware of the lyrics, and their set combining the wit of Sally (a girl with comedy breasts) with their heartfelt final song Linus, about a girl who thinks the world is against her. This song stood out from an impressive set, and being their most recent can only indicate that better things are yet to come from a band still in its conception stages. The LPs evoked such a crowd response, they are unlikely to be a support band for long, and as they grow in confidence they should set the local circuit alight.

The crowd were now buzzing with expectation, and when The Chinaski Effect took to the stage, they didn`t disappoint. The St Austell boys, (Kevin Pearce - vocals/guitar, Alex Stenhouse - guitar/backing vocals, Matthew Duggan - Bass and Chris Morley - Drums) were promoting their Ep and their set was littered with old favourites, but also gave tantalising glimpses at their new direction. This is a band that has grown and developed their sound, the anger and crashing melodies are no longer the focal point of all their songs, an exciting dynamism is surfacing as the band mature, with songs such as Mr Soft and Jevo highlighting the bands diversity, and showcasing a softer vocal from lead singer Kevin. Guitarist Alex has given their new sound the moniker Evo, or evolved hardcore, and their songs are not the only thing that has evolved in the Chinaski camp. On stage banter had the audience laughing with them, and the new relaxed confidence was evident in the ownership they stamped on the stage. Old favourites Daddy-Oh and Alibi got the crowd moving, and by the time the band reached its triumphant finale with Megatron Star Alliance the dancing crowd were oblivious to the beer they were sloshing around!

That time of night, the time where all you can hear is the ringing in your ears, came far too soon.

(Photos by Becs)