Gig Reviews: Levellers with support from Kenelis, Hendry's Children, Gemma Mewse, After 4 & others 17th April 2010 @ The Jamm, Brixton

by Gary Smith

The Jamm in Brixton was once again home to a night of local acts followed by a big name headliner.  As you may be aware, we recently reviewed one of their gigs that The Pogues were due to turn up to, but unfortunately did not arrive.  This time, Mark Chadwick of The Levellers was due to play an acoustic act.. and he did not disappoint!

We arrived to an array of small acts, who were all great, all presented their own merits - unfortunately most of these acts were unknown to us and I still had been unable to catch some of their names to mention.  There was alot of variation with styles, some reminiscent of 80s punk - aka Sex Pistols, and others presented some very unique moments which has not gone unforgotten.

Like last time, we had gone along to support our friends, Kenelis, who put on a very good show for all with their brand new drummer who has only been playing with them for the last few weeks.  Before they came on though, we managed to catch the last few songs by Gemma Mewse, who had a great sound - the true london accent shined through the vocal line, on some great pop & heavy rock sounds.  She really knew how to keep the crowds active and sent out a really good vibe all round, and hope to see more of her gigs in the near future!

Kenelis' first gig with their new drummer now came on keeping their punch alive.  The old drummer, Sam, had suffered a bad hand injury and has been forced out of drumming, so he helped Kenelis stay alive by mentoring the new drummer, Ollie, who had done spectacularly well from just a small amount band rehearsals.  They played a bunch of ther classics aswell as some new songs, including 'Sick', and they have changed their sound slightly... still in keeping with the heavy feel to the set, they have brought in some more meaningful melodies and taken some of the 'padding' away which has done really well for the music as everyone managed to come across much better.  There were a couple of sound issues, which is to be expected at most gigs - but yet the screamer in the crowd came across nicely!!!  Overall, one of the best sets we have seen, but after more practise with Ollie and geting more settled down, their career should pick up nicely... and we look forward to when they record their new album!

Eventually, Mark Chadwick came on stage to perform his acoustic act - and keeping that suspense going before getting into his songs, he stood on stage for 10 minutes talking to the crowds, and tuning up... as any good folk artist would!   He came across brilliantly with his 12 string and the bassist.  Together they pulled out a great groove and all the crowd was delighted.