Gig Review – Chuganaut – 26th October @ Bar Mode, Swamp Central (Palmie Nth)

I was greatly privileged to meet Steve and the band before the gig, consumed a few Johnnie’s, and had some good yarns. I was amazed and I must say humbled by these very awesome, down-to-earth & genuine rockers. Cheers to Nail, Munro, Stu, Lil, Steve & Patricia for making me feel very welcome and allowing me to rock out so hard I thought I would shit myself. I am literally still recovering from sore headbanging muscles 6 days later.

Chuganaut hit the stage around 1 am after a massive gig of 5 other bands (and 1 to follow!) – by this time any technical difficulties had been thoroughly worked out, and the band were free to unleash their trademark expressive flurry of chaos, hooks & chains. And if MySpace is anything to judge by, the other bands playing that night enjoyed themselves immensely, and felt Chuganaut’s professionalism and expertise keenly.

Opening with their opening track on the new album (in retrospect anyway), and treating us to a large range of songs both old and new, the swamp chorus got on in early and headbanged and moshed their little hearts out to an almost hour-long set, plus an encore after a heartfelt entreaty from the swamp chorus.

As always, the Chug was very tight and professional, and put on one hell of a show, filling the stage that often seems too large for some bands. One of my favourite things about Chuganaut is that almost every song is instantly catchy and memorable, resulting in the swamp chorus getting in as the fifth member of this tight-knit troupe and belting out chorus after chorus.

Only the second time I had seen the Chug live, and, like a good curry, they have only got better over time. My mind boggles when I think of their future adventures and venues they destroy, and what they will bring to my tiny little mind next time.

Full credit to Patricia for the pix, copyright PJ Artforms.

Boom-Chug-A-Lager, this is CEO Mong.