The Chapman Family, Hampton’s, Southampton
Cult heroes remain just that, spiritedly
For anyone who hasn’t come across the Teeside quartet, The Chapman Family have been touring up and down the country under their own steam for the past couple of years, giving their all to every man, dog or ladyboy around to see them. This is all without a record deal; just armed with their own must have merchandise and a lust for music. They are the archetypal indie-punk band and much loved by their loyal cult following.
The Hamptons was a first not just for me, but for the band themselves. The last time they came to Southampton it was to play The Joiners; on finding out that another band's name was on the poster, they simply drove the 500 miles back home. So to actually play a gig to even 30 or so punters is a relative success.
They came onstage around 10pm and proceeded straight into their best known song, ‘Kids’. Jerking around, screaming and wrestling down the mic-stand, frontman Kingsley ends up floored, whilst bassist Pop took over vocals, nose bleeding (he later knowingly attributes this to nerves). The reaction they receive was similar to a classroom spelling contest, a couple of seconds of applause followed by an awkward silence. The band are back on their feet and continue to give their all for the entire 40 minute set playing their mix of Joy Division/My Vitriol influenced indie at the most deafening volume. Pop constantly joking around and egging on the crowd to come forward and enjoy themselves; only four (including myself) oblige. An excellent rendition of current single ‘Virgins’ goes down a storm (a few people even "woo"), while a new song about cutting yourself (though they make it clear its not autobiographical) sounds like a future crowd favourite. All is well until Pop’s guitar dies on him for the second time that might the night and he throws it against the wall, reduced to clapping and dancing on one foot. Luckily, it’s their final song.
After the farewells from the band, they are left on stage in silence to pack away their instruments. It’s all a bit sad for a band who really deserve more than the life of the toilet circuit. Alas at present they still are just a cult.
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