Popes of Chillitown Gig Review

ukevents.net · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 2439

Popes of Chillitown Gig Review‏

January… Great. The cupboards are empty after Christmas and New Year has decimated your finances. What could possibly relieve the winter blues? Enter The Popes Of Chillitown – a six-piece ska-reggae outfit from West London. UkEvents went down to their recent gig at Metro on Oxford Street to see them in action.

And action is indeed the word – from the moment ‘The Popes’ take to the stage there is a real buzz in the room. As they launch into their forthcoming single 'Endemol' the band's defining qualities are evident – catchy guitar riffs, stomping horn melodies, sharp lyrics and a tight rhythm section. In an era where all too many larger bands seem to sound like a three-piece it's refreshing to hear a real input from the full six members; all of whom fall harmoniously into place along with a genuine chemistry to the line up. Frontman Oz Cruickshank oozes confidence, delivering superb reggae vocals in between banter with the crowd. Meanwhile lead guitarist Ewan Cant and saxophonist Liz Mitchell effortlessly trade riffs alongside him, whilst rhythm guitarist and co-writer Rishi Chopra provides a classic reggae backdrop. The band’s combined sound and sharp social commentaries have shades of The Specials about them, but there are also rock influences along the lines of Tool or Incubus to the lead guitar lines and the expertly delivered horn parts even lend an occasional jazz feel. Make no mistake - this is a band with real depth as well as fun factor.

It doesn't take the crowd long to submit to The Popes' infectious enthusiasm and by the second track most are moving their feet, soon to be joined by Oz who comes down from the stage to skank along. Midway through the set, (and now back on stage) he pauses and hands the mic to a mystery figure appearing from the side. Christopher Mitchell aka Kinetik, steps up to deliver a blazing rap solo. His unannounced presence has become a fairly regular fixture of The Popes gigs, but somehow it manages to retain its spontaneity and never fails to please the crowd. Kinetic's style compliments and contrasts perfectly with the reggae grooves in the background and the result has real hip-hop credibility. Next comes the ode to consumerism that is 'Buy One Get One Free' and a chance for new drummer Oli Julian to shine alongside bassist, Arvin Bancil. The established tune "Type of Man" goes down well as always and following that, the closing tune 'Who's to say' (also featuring Kinetik) is a masterclass in crowd participation with even the bar staff clapping along.

Alas, the set was all too short and after forty minutes of top quality skanking we are making our way back to the bar. One thing is sure – The Popes have well and truly succeeded in lifting the post-festive austerity. Somehow they seem to raise their game continually and this gig is yet another triumph. The band are taking a short break from live shows over the next few months to concentrate on writing, but we can look forward to them coming back with new material and their first EP in the summer.

More info at: http://www.myspace.com/popesofchillitown

Reviewed by Chris for UKEvents.net