Gaol Chook led by former Cabbage entrance man Lee Broadbent makes their stay debut at Manchester’s Mom Mary’s, and it’s mayhem from begin to end. Nigel stories for Louder Than Battle with photos by Michael Steff.
Nicely that is bizarre, reporting on Lee’s new band simply over 9 years since first interviewing Cabbage at their then rehearsal room in an outdated mill in Mossley. Loads of water has handed below the bridge since then. The final time I noticed Cabbage was on the John Corridor celebration competition on the Ritz in Might 2021; they went on to carry out a last tour on the finish of that 12 months and we haven’t heard something since.
Gaol Chook launched their first E.P in June 2023, however phrase on new exercise solely began percolating from the Gaol Chook camp in February this 12 months, with Lee asserting the primary gig on Fb. For sure the venue tonight is filled with acquainted faces. The Cabbage military is out in pressure and the band doesn’t disappoint. However what’s been happening?
I spoke with Lee earlier than the gig and after a tough few years, it’s clear he’s a modified man; “Too lengthy has the commoditisation of medication in music been promoted and glorified, and we would like the buck to cease at that and promote at the very least a lifetime of moderation, and a greater high quality of life, and restoration has taught us that. I do really feel slightly bit accountable in Cabbage that we did promote that glorification of medication and alcohol, being off our fucking faces. I used to drink six beers on stage! It’s fucking embarrassing”.
“I’ve appeared on the ‘tree of affect’ in drug phrases, Peter Docherty, Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, they have been all on heroin, and it was unimaginable not go ‘nicely I wanna be similar to them fucking guys’. I take full accountability for these choices I made, however on the similar time, it was too interesting to refuse. When you begin getting a label, and also you’ve acquired a bunch of songs, you go ‘fucking hell, I’m the shit’ – that’s your ego coming by. It’s alright to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The factor about Pete Doherty was, that not solely did he write nice music however he made heroin look cool, so on the finish of the day, I’m not saying don’t have a drink or don’t use leisure medication, what I’m saying is at all times defend your self, and put them boundaries in place when you understand they could possibly be a type of self-harm, if you understand what I imply. As a result of at some point you’ll end up, one thing traumatic will occur, and also you’ll depend on substances as a crux, after which that’s when your life turns into massively tough”
I requested Lee why Cabbage cut up up; “Have you ever ever heard the phrase for those who’ve misplaced your religion and love of music the tip received’t be lengthy? So after the 2017 incident, it was only one lengthy descent into feeling betrayed, grief and on the finish of the day, we felt wronged”.
Gaol Chook tuck themselves onto the small stage slightly after 9:30, and after a gradual begin, ship the sort of pounding pleasure that Lee’s outdated band have been well-known for. I do know who Banksy is is an apparent excessive level, with it’s up and down arpeggios and see noticed refrain. It’s onerous to listen to all of the nuances in such a confined house, however watching a couple of of the movies I took, you may hear the standard of the musicianship. I at all times applauded the abilities of Eoghan and the lads within the outdated band, however the musicianship on present right here tonight is really excellent they usually don’t miss a beat. The drums and bass are brutal, however the screeching guitars and Lee’s piercing vocals minimize by the maelstrom.
After vowing by no means to play one other Cabbage music, the band careers by Indispensable Pencil and the tight mosh pit goes wild. It begins to look a bit furry, however there may be such a sense of happiness and goodwill within the viewers, that any fears are shortly dispelled.
It’s nice to listen to the Cabbage stuff performed tonight – such a fantastic band, with a recreation altering assortment of nice tunes that ignited Manchester all these years in the past! I believe the truth that Mom Mary’s is packed to the gunwales is testomony to the band’s recognition, and in lots of approach Gaol Chook are the bastard kids, so why not?
The music Sober delivers a really poignant message and reinforces Lees’ views expressed above about his dedication to convey the correct message. It’s sung straight from the center – he means it and isn’t going again.
The band end with one other basic – Uber Capitalist Dying Commerce, which just about completes the circle. By no means off Cabbage’s set record, it’s a fully blinding observe that deserves to be heard. The gang goes wild, with one adventurous soul making an attempt, (and succeeding!) to crowd surf!
It’s a cracking debut for Gaol Chook, with the gang left actually sated. In some ways it’s Cabbage part-two, however who can argue with that? The legacy is a strong one, and it deserves all of the oxygen it could actually get! There are rumours of a Cabbage documentary to have a good time the ten 12 months anniversary of the band, so watch this house for extra on that!
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Gaol Chook are on Fb & Instagram
Thanks to Michael Steff for the photographs used on this assessment, all are © so please don’t use with out permission. Phrases by Nigel Carr. Extra writing by Nigel on Louder Than Battle will be present in his Creator’s archive. You’ll find Nigel on Twitter and Fb. Nigel is the Co-Producer of New Daybreak Fades – A Play About Pleasure Division And Manchester which excursions this October.
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