Steve Christopher ‘Join The Queue’

This morning I was talking to Steve Christopher on how his music was coming along. 

As you may remember last we spoke he sounded reborn to music as after learning new tricks his been mixing and producing his own tracks. 

Well today we talked of his new track ‘Join The Queue’. 

I was listening to the MP3 and the first play took me back to the 80s and Pink Floyd ‘The Wall’ and it’s extended title track, it has that awesome guitar rift and deeper vocals. 

I thought the familiar rift really helps you love this track and the story it tells. 

Everyone gets told one time in your life “your special” or “you’ll go far” and after a while you start to believe them, then time passes and your still where you were, nothing has changed and there seems to be a line of many all told the same, wanting the same. 

Well that’s what story I got from this song and it’s so true as we all shine one point in our life, but if we miss the timing it passes and becomes too late. 

This song has two parts to me as the Pink Floyd rift is not all the way through the track the second part mid way through vocals change to a familiar Steve we know with some fantastic guitar and layers and a chorus that is rather catchy.

Every time Steve seems to surprise me, really hope you all love it too

The Chain Live @ The Elms review

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

NEW ALBUM NEWS - Steve Christopher

Here is the latest news on Steve Christopher's 2nd album to follow 'MONNDANCE' featured on a previous blog.




Things are slowly progressing towards April as the release month for Album # 2.

On a recent radio show it appears to have assumed the name Partay til Dawn as the title track.. Who am I to argue. Tracks so far outlined and earmarked are:

Partay on til Dawn,

On the Level,

We are the Children,

Not letting go,

She will have her day,

Damned if I do (Currently my favourite),

Rock n Roll Mama,

Finally,

and W.Q.A.

The title for this last song comes from what was going through my mind when I had to save the work done on it. It does'nt really relate to the lyrics but it means. "What questions answered".

Partay... is what is suggests, Music... Parties.... Good sesh... You get the picture.

On the Level, is based on our recent re-involvement with children. Never lie to a child, always be open and honest and the rewards mostly will be trust and honesty back at you.

We are the Children, is along similar lines but more seeing the world through a childs eyes and heart. They need to be heard, loved and understood. That's our job as adults.

Not letting go, is a general opinion about how relationships can build and suffer because one partner was insincere in the beginning and folds the gaming table up and takes it with them (figuratively speaking)

She will have her day, is tracking the three main stages (very losely) of a girls growing from baby, to teenager to adult. I like the song and make no apologies for assumptions of the female psyche.

Damned if I do, is a remake of a song I originally recorded a couple of years ago called Drive to my Caravan. My partner Mel, felt that needed more work so I changed it completely and I love the result.

Rock n Roll Mama, was a throwback to my days jamming in Rock and Roll bands and doing sessions for anyone who would have me. It's tongue in cheek fun

W.Q.A, is purely written round a riff that I liked and expanded on. The lyrics grew as the recording went on about prejudices, reading a book by it's cover and about a particular one sided relationship I had with a very shallow person. You'll get the picture when you listen to the words....?

All these tracks are vocal tracks and as such are in keeping with the album mindset.

I sincerely hope you can get some enjoyment from this album. What will here is genuinely me exposed as a vulnerable person that has feelings. Just like you.

Steve Christopher