The Chapman Family & O Children, Leicester Lock 42

Being a pretty big fan of both O Children and The Chapman Family, I was particularly looking forward to this gig. Having just interviewed The Chapmans by the canal, (interview here. Ed). it was back inside the cosy Lock 42 to warm our cockles with a set from The Tunics. Their infectious indie riffs seemed to be just what was needed to warm up the crowd.

An eerie silence flooded the room, as O Children appeared out of the darkness. Frontman Tobi’s hypnotic baritone voice is somewhat reminiscent to that of Ian Curtis of Joy Division. Although they share their name with a hit Bad Seeds song, this is not just some regular copycat band. This is what happens when you put Nick Cave, Morrissey, New Order and Robert Smith in a Cookworks mixer. A smoothie of glorious 80’s goth pop, served in a tall glass of irony… which the crowd seemed to drink down quite happily! Who could possibly tire of these glorious crashing drums and violent guitar riffs?!

After being released from the bizarre Burton-esque world created by O Children, it was time to prep ourselves for The Chapman Family. Every time I see this band, I seem to spend most of my time shielding my camera from flying shoes, beer and fists and this gig was no exception! Just 30 seconds into the set, the crowd were reaching for their inhalers… seriously! Having released their debut album not a week earlier, this gig was a celebration. From the booming bass and galloping drums of ‘1000 Lies’ to the clattering riffs of ‘Million Dollars’, their set was flawless. The night, as per usual, ended with Kingsley Chapman becoming entangled in his mic cord, resulting in near asphyxiation.

Successful gig, I’d say!

- Review and photos by Hannah Lockwood