Up-&-Coming// Life In Film.

It is difficult to understand how, after a fantastic debut single and some notable support slots under their belts, London four-piece Life in Film still remain unsigned, hailing from the East End’s darkest Hackney, with front man Samuel Fry sounding like a love child between Anthony Caleb Followill and Orlando Weeks, adopting a wistful vocal style with a slightly uncomfortable tremor, backed up by jangly guitars, plodding bass-lines and at their best; heart racing drum beats.

For instance debut single “Sorry” with it’s shuddering guitars on top of a dark, melancholic undertone. Baring a great similarity to early Kings of Leon tracks. As does “Get Closer” with exciting guitar fills, demonstrating an American roots and blues influence, boasting a fantastic sing along chorus; making a perfect soundtrack to the approaching summer festivals. Though aside from the American influence, their sound fits in with the typical arty, indie sound of so many current London based bands such as The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club, though taking a much more vocal stance, as opposed to Bombay Bicycle Club’s instrumental heavy sound, presented through their debut album.

Thus, Life In Film are a great band with no where near as much recognition as they really deserve, but what with the rapidly approaching summer and festival season, plus a coming headline show at The Lexington, who knows what is set to unfold, hopefully big things and a record deal or self-produced album to unite their catalogue of such brilliant songs.

Listen to: "Get Closer," "Sorry," "Carla."
For Fans of: Kings of Leon, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club.

Jonathan Hatchman.

Live// Chapel Club, The Shacklewell Arms, London, 18.5,11.

Tonight, after a mental year, off the back of a remarkable debut album, relentless UK and US touring plus notable support slots, Chapel Club gave something incredible back to the fans. Playing and intimate, one off show in the dimly lit backroom of this tiny pub. Reverting back to their "Acid-Rasta" roots, the very venue of their first ever gigs.

Taking to the make-do stage, bursting straight into fan favourite; "Surfacing," with lyrical sampling of "Dream a Little Dream of Me," though the real beauty of the song lies within Lewis Bowman's stunning verse lyrics.

Also incorporating into their set, new single, "Blind," album tracks such as "Paper Thin" and "Fine Light" with it's whirring guitars accompanying Bowman's baritone, melancholy vocals. Also throwing in tracks from the "Wintering" EP, being the exquisite ballad: "Bodies" and epic "Widows." Plus even a first airing of a new song "Waterlight Park." All of which introduced by an uncharacteristically chatty Lewis Bowman, frequently exchanging banter and joking with tonight's crowd.

Bringing the show to it's finale with single "Five Trees" and the band's favourite; "The Shore." Managing to prove that they are not merely a poor "Joy Division" or "The Smiths" imitation. Bringing not just tonight's show to a closure, but very likely the chapter in their career of playing to such small audiences in such tiny venues.
Jonathan Hatchman.

Live// Peter Doherty, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, 10.5.11.

At nine 'o' clock when the stage is set with merely a dining chair, microphone stand and an acoustic guitar, it's not unreasonable for the two thousand strong crowd to have concerns as to whether this is going to work.

However, forty-five minutes late though half an hour late, Doherty took to the beer soaked stage; starting off his eighty minute cheeky acoustic medley, each song woven together with jangly guitar fills and jaunty chord patterns. With just a few brief pauses to read out letters thrown on stage by adoring fans.

His set incorporated a fine mixture of solo album and Babyshambles tracks, notably "Arcady", "Sheepskin Tearaway"and "Grace/Wastelands" lead single "Last of the English Roses." plus a cover of pop classic "Blue Moon" but most exciting and well received the variety of The Libertines classics such as "What a Waster," "Can't Stand Me Now" and singalong of the night "What Katie Did" though emotional without Carl Barât's vocal accompaniment, especially following the recent news of the final demise of "The Libertines." Bringing the show to it's post curfew finale with "Albion," with suitable lyrical adaptations.

It's astounding how one man can keep such a vast crowd going, equipped with just an acoustic guitar and microphone. Despite the drugs and tabloid romances, Peter Doherty is a poetic genius, overlooked incredibly by the media circus. Though he is an artist that should definitely be seen live and embraced with an open mind, to witness his extraordinary showmanship skills.
Jonathan Hatchman.