Now a few years ago on this very blog I put together a review for this local rock band from Chichester. That band was 'The Chain' and since I have seen them a number of times in various locations.
You may ask then, why am I writing another review? Well since my last review a few years ago there has been a band line up change which to some fans who have not seen / heard the new line up caused concern.
So on Saturday September 1st at The Elms, Broadwater I took the opportunity to find out myself.
Band line up now has 2 Steve's now with me being Steve too talking to them I could hear Harry Hill's voice in my head going "3 Steve's, one pub, what's the chances of that happening ah?".
Seriously thou here is the new line up : -
Dawn - vocals & percussion
Steve C - lead guitar & vocals
Jo - Rythmn guitar & vocals
Steve - Drums
P - Bass guitar & vocals
So what is different from last time is a new drummer Steve and one less female lead singer.
The questions then is how did they sound as before so many talked of these two girls singing so well together complimenting each other? Could they still be as strong, rock and still have that energy they showed before?
Well as the band set up friends I know who have admired the band for a number of years turned up surprised at the change & talk started.
It was interesting hearing what others were expecting or not expecting, I won't go into what they were just will say they were not disappointed with end result.
The band kicked the show off with two slow more laid back numbers which was surprising to me, but the vocals by Dawn were so pure and P on bass supported her vocals was really lovely.
Someone standing near me said he felt the vocals were less confusing now as her voice (Dawn's) stood out on it's own instead of hearing two in harmony and not being able to tell who is who.
Also it was said every member can hold their own and with the new line up you can hear this band teamanship more as they all play as one.
Myself? Well I noticed a stronger confidence within Dawn coming to blossom like a sun flower does when it sees the sun, soon as the band starts those lights starts and she comes to life. Her vocals showed a stronger more various pitches & tones now as had no one to have to harmony with. It was really great to hear someone you know use a voice like you not heard before highlight of evening for me.
As ever thou Dawn knows how to hold everyone watching the band in her hand and reel them in so lots of funny banter in between tracks were had by all.
The energy of the band stood out all night as full speed cranked from start to end.
If anyone worried their be less energy due to one less they were proved very wrong.
It be fair to say every part of the stage and out on dance floor was used.
I was surprised at how many new numbers the band covered and could see why they now are now known as a Rock Anthem band as true rock classic's were outstanding.
To hear amazing covers of Reo Speedwagon, Queen, AC/DC, Bad Company, Billy Idol, Bon Jovi to just name a few got those with me rocking.
Steve C on guitar took on (sang) a few classic tracks & was teased with a feather boa while doing so, but like a pro kept going, playing in the style I have got to know him too.
Jo at the begining of the evening by all the band and myself was known to not be feeling too good. I doubt thou anyone noticed at once he picked up his guitar he played & sang to his normal high standard & my thoughts of his acoustic guitar playing has not changed, still not seen anyone play live as good as him.
P on bass OK for this blog he prefer not to have his name mentioned and I respect that, however cannot go write this without saying how amazing he was on bass, he now supports more on vocals and as I have said already compliments Dawn on backing really well. I heard him take over on one track for Steve c due to Steve C on lead guitar going into an amazing technical rift and thought to myself "P where have you been hiding these vocals?".
Steve on drums, well he really packs a punch as with some of the new rock tracks added to the set they have some really fast drum breaks and watching him go I thought he put Duracell to shame as WOW!
What got me with Steve too after first half of some real powerhouse drumming he walks to the bar not even broken a sweat 'cool guy or what?'
So I think personally no one needs to worry over THE CHAIN they still have what they always had plus I feel a bit more extra punch.
So Still recommend to go see them or book them
Offical website
www.thechain.biz
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/thechainband
