Review by Kevin Donnellan
Photos by Alessio Michelini
Groupies, drugs, drink, when it comes to rock bands we generally have some fairly set stereotypes in our mind when we think about backstage activity. That’s why it was wonderfully disconcerting to see Los Angeles rockers Chief wandering around Academy 2 on Wednesday night with trays of ham sandwiches and looks of vague confusion. Any worries that this was a sign that we were in for a tame show were quickly put to bed however. These guys know how to keep a crowd happy and they were keen to make a good first impression for their first ever Irish show. Usually when American bands proclaim their love of Ireland during a set the temptation is to roll the eyes at the false sincerity. But this particular US foursome seemed genuinely delighted to be here, as evidenced by guitarist Mike Moonves downing a pint of Guinness in one at the behest of the crowd.
Of course all of this would be irrelevant if the band didn’t bring the music and the guys certainly obliged there. Chief play a modern brand of Creedence-like rock,the kind of meat and potatoes music that could sound plodding in the wrong hands but when done right reminds you of just what a great rock band are capable of doing live. Chief definitively fall into the latter category, they wear their 70’s rock influences proudly on their sleeve without ever sounding old-fashioned or run-of-the-mill.
Attitude also played a large part in the effectiveness of the gig, the band didn’t let a relatively small crowd, probably owing to a certain upcoming music festival, dampen their enthusiasm and they used the Academy 2 venues intimacy to great effect. Every song was tight, controlled and technically spot on. ‘NIght and Day’ and ‘Mighty Proud’ were particular highlights. At times the perfect harmonising of vocals lent the songs a somewhat generic feel but the wandering off script in the latter part of the set tempered these concerns. It was also refreshing to see such a on-the-hoof set list, with the band members deciding between songs what to play next. A less accomplished band may have struggled to nail every tune using this approach but Chief made the gig seem like a you were getting to observe a particularly strong jamming session.
The gig came in at under 40 minutes in length but every minute was used effectively, a major difference to what was happening down the road in the O2 that same night (how’ya Axel). This may have been Chiefs first Irish gig but hopefully word-of-mouth will ensure that it isn’t there last, or biggest, appearance here.
