Chaplin’s Cellar Bar, Boscombe
It’s a mild Saturday evening in Boscombe as we await a fairly new, up-and-coming act from another County and local support. My interest in this gig has been peaked by none other than local muso and promoter, one Adam “Ski” Hart, who has been lording our headliners to anyone who cares to listen. I have taken the liberty of having a listen pre-gig to see what all the fuss is about, I have to say it’s a yes from me.
Opening up are local boys Happy Cry with their tortured Indie leanings and a veritable wall of noise. I recently discovered this quartet in another venue 60 Million Postcards, also as support and on initial observation was immediately hooked. They open with an “Intro Jam” which displays that wall of sound early doors. “Back for More” up’s the tempo as they breeze into their set. Jacob (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) is the chief shapeshifter throughout when not bellowing out those tortured lyrics. His pained expressions and heartfelt delivery keep his audience transfixed – in contrast George (l. guitar) is almost motionless & expressionless, exhibiting all the virtues of a member of a Shoegaze band. The recent release “So to Bed” comes next and the power is unrelenting; notably from Henry (Drums/Backing Vocals) in the engine room, who drives a heavy beat.
Not forgetting Craigo (bass) who is cool personified! “Need It” stays in the same vein while ‘Black Horse’ brings the tempo down as the lyrics become more decipherable. It’s a Shoegaze classic in the making and a wonderful prelude to an interesting take on “Mad World” (Tears For Fears). Avoiding giving it the “Gary Jules” treatment Jacob twists the chorus somewhat, layering his vocal and keeping us guessing. “Wasting Light” precedes set closer “It Won’t Stop” and these guys take the plaudits. If there’s one thing that (for me) sets Happy Cry apart from the crowd it’s their mismatched, anti-fashion attire – first impressions are everything and they have the musical talent to back it up. Their trajectory may be a slow burner but all the elements are in place – Rome wasn’t built in a day…..
And so to the headliners. It seems half of Salisbury has travelled the 30 miles with the band tonight, such is the size of the crowd in the room. With little fanfare Carsick take to this tiny stage and deliver a truly mesmerising set of largely original material. They open with “Anaconda Frank” and set out their stall early. Cue a mosh pit, replete with token crowd surfers while the “if you wanna’s” are easy to learn for the punters. “Muzzle” stays in the same vein – it’s Punk but with elements of Rap/Spoken word/Electro and Indie. Joe (Lead Vocals/Guitar) is a confident frontman with a jovial patter who plays off Jack (Bass/Backing Vocals) with his effervescent smile and crowd engagement.
“Pub Watch” comes next – no need to decipher song origins here! Carsick is worthy of the hype and delivers its songs with wild, loud abandon. Tom (Drums) in the engine room bulldozes the snare while offering occasional bleeps and loops through a sequencer, which is an interesting take on percussion. “Corona” is an early highlight, and with band/crowd banter not in short supply they are winning the locals over too. Moshing/circle pits are almost encouraged, leaving the security somewhat puzzled?! The driving beat of this song is ferocious, the chorus meanwhile is anthemic. Mid-song Joe forgets the lyrics but we forgive him!
“Local Legend” lyrically speaks for itself, I’m guessing a tale of Salisbury life. I’ll assume a few of the songs are written from this angle. Tom’s sequencer intro on “Nothing to Do” is pure 80’s Synth but works perfectly here as it evolves into an anthemic and direct Punk banger, it’s another mosh fest with more crowd-surfing moments. The bridge is brief before the spoken word edit takes it to a frenetic conclusion.
If that wasn’t enough we are treated to that old bastion of a live show, the obligatory ‘cover’ (or in tonight’s case two). A harsh, muddled version of The Special’s “Too Much, Too Young” isn’t their finest three minutes, but Joe courteously took a moment to apologise to the late Terry Hall in advance. They do however showcase another song fresh to my ears in the shape of “Blackout” by Turnstile. It’s new on me but has at least made me go and seek their music. “10 Stellas Down” could describe half this audience as there’s no let-up in the fervour down the front.
“Afters” is simply a prelude to the wonderful set closer that’s “Is What it Is”. For some reason (unknown to me) the band have a large cardboard cut-out of Bradley Walsh on stage, they duly dedicate the song to him! Confused? Yes, I was too! Confusion abated the sequencer kicks in one last time as they build the song. A quick mention for Joe’s brother, also on guitar to his right who is no less important. There’s a mid-song dialogue charting a night’s events in Salisbury which I guess was the influence for the song’s title and lyrics. Once delivered they proceed to the song’s end. An invitation to encore is turned down due to having no more songs. We can forgive them, this being a free show!!
Every now and then a band comes to lil’ ol’ Bournemouth amid great fanfare and one always wants to be able to say “I was there” when Carsick came to town and blew the roof off – this was one of those nights. Carsick are four fresh, young musicians with everything in place. Songs, lyrics, stagecraft, humour, self-deprecation, energy and vibrancy. This ain’t no Slaves/Idles tribute, Carsick are the real deal. My advice to any punter out there reading this is to see this band in a small venue while you still can – you heard it here first! Adam ‘Ski’ Hart has once again curated two great bands for his ever popular ‘Shindig’ monthly event in this award-winning venue. Great sound as ever from ‘Connie’ and a crowd who came to dance. Proof if ever it was needed, live music is still in great shape, let’s keep supporting it.
Set Lists
Car Sick
Anaconda Frank
Muzzle
Pub Watch
Corona
Local Legend
Heartbreak At The Anchor & Hope
Nothing To Do
Nothing To Do
Too Much Too Young (The Specials)
Blackout (Turnstile)
10 Stellas Down
Afters
Is What It Is
Happy Cry
Intro Jam
Back For More
So To Bed
Need It
Black Horse
Mad World (Tears For Fears)
Wasting Light
It Won’t Stop
Videos
Links
https://www.facebook.com/carsickofficial
https://www.facebook.com/HappyCryMusic
Words by Ross A. Ferrone
Media by David Chinery (Chinners)
