Neighbourhood Rock
One of Hastings’ biggest musical names returns home after a busy week following the release of There Goes The Neighbourhood. HARRY HAWKINS takes in Kid Kapichi’s fine performance at the White Rock
Kid Kapichi’s third album in as many years, featuring Hastings-born legend Suggs, shows the group’s ever-expanding ambition. It’s an album of two halves. The first is punchy and powerful, the second more subtle and playful, with none of the political topics – or signature staggering riffs – being left out.
As support acts, Chimer and Bilk were well up to the task of setting the tone of the evening. Hastings natives Chimer’s sound is enigmatic, with songs that swerve and build tension, through fearsome drumming and guitars chiming like their namesake. Their latest song, Ricin, was a particular highlight, a dark and stormy number with a powerful vocal presence from singer Connor Sims. Just one year since they were formed, I’m excited to see what’s next for the group.
Essex band Bilk, also a power trio, were next on stage. Fronted by the fast-paced vocals and guitar of Sol Abrahams, their songs fuse punk rhythms with engaging tales of nights out gone awry, with a punch and pace that reminds you of hip-hop. The choruses, in songs such as Daydreamer and RNR, highlighted Bilk’s knack for tongue-in-cheek anthems.
Simply hearing the soundcheck before they head onto the stage, you can tell that Kid Kapichi will deliver a different scale of sound, the kick drum rumbling through the theatre floor. A sinister synth riff twists into the stomp of new album opener Artillery, and the band arrive to reams of applause from the Hastings crowd. The backline of amps were covered with three flags – of Ukraine, Palestine and European Union – which singer Jack Wilson refers to as causes bigger than the Downing street antics described in The Party at No 10. However, the consistency of theme and premise is kept clear with the song’s gentle acoustic sway, as Jack sings “One rule for you/and another for them”. This was hammered home once a seemingly impromptu chant of “Fuck the Tories” built into a rhythmic band jam.
Going through their catalogue, it is noticeable how the band’s message builds into a cohesive ethos, such as tackling deprivation shown through the melody of fan favourite Working Man’s Town, which began with an ominous football style chant. The anti-police roar of 999 was met with moshing from the centre crowd – far from the only song to raise such a response. Not to mention the fast-paced, addictively anarchic beat of Rob the Supermarket.
But big political gestures aren’t the only thing Kapichi delivered. New album closer Jimi, dedicated to James Robert Read, who inspired many in the Hastings music scene, received rapturous attention as another, softer, reprieve. Likewise, Zombie Nation and Special provided dancier grooves, with lyrics highlighting the importance of grassroots and community connections, through music or wider society, lest we lose more music venues. In all, a fantastic evening.
Chimer play next at The Albion on 30 March. Details at chimer.uk.
Bilk are playing at festivals across the UK this year. All dates: bilkband.co.uk.
Kid Kapichi world tour starts at Brighton, Concorde 2, on 29 March. See full tour at kidkapichi.com.
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