Venue: Pacific Road
Date: 10th May 2003
[website]

For the second time in six months The Chain Gang appeared at Pacific Road in Birkenhead - This time as support act to Dr Feelgood. I liked them the first time I saw them and I liked them even more this time - particularly now that I knew more than a few of their excellent songs. A clean rock sound - distinctive riffs, tight rhythm and bass and great vocals delivered with style and energy. The band rocked with influences ranging from reverbed guitar sounds from the 60's, through to 70's/80's "Feelgood" type sounds - but all within a package that is very much there own and very much a modern day sound and feel.

The Merseyside based Chain Gang comprises Eddie Harrison on Telecaster, Tony O'Keefe on drums, Jon Genno on lead vocals and Mick Saunders on Fender Jazz Bass. The band took to the stage at 8.45 and powered through a twelve-song set - all their own excellent material - including several from their latest CD. If you get chance then buy a copy of the CD "They Came from Out of Town" which certainly captures the sound and energy of the Chain Gang.

The ten track CD, excellently recorded at I believe Great Northern Studios in Liverpool includes many memorable and distinctive tracks such as Crawlin', Don't Wanna Lie (to the FBI), Backyard Blues and In My Nightmare to name just a few of my own favourites.

My previous viewing of The Chain Gang was back in November 2002 when the Gang provided excellent support for the Wilco Johnson Band as part of the Wirral International Guitar Festival. They are clearly very comfortable with a large stage environment with the dynamics of the band working well to capture and hold the audience for the whole of the 40-minute set. After the performance the band gravitated to the Pacific Road bar to relax and watch Dr Feelgood and chat with their supporters and more than a few new fans. Nice one…

If you want more background to The Chain Gang you can find out everything you need through their web site on www.chaingang.btinternet.co.uk. More importantly if you get chance then see them live then take it.

Review by
Tragic Sally - May 2003

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