GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN
Cardiff The Globe
22 March
Goldie Lookin Chain have been conspicuous by their absence
from the music scene for nearly four years. However having overcome
being dropped by their record label and upsetting Victoria Beckham (they
dedicated "You Missus is a Nutter" to David Beckham when performing
prior to the England v Wales World Cup qualifier), they have re-merged
with a new single, album and 25 date UK tour.
Now I've got to come clean here and state that my record collection
contains absolutely nothing by the GLC, so it was with a modicum of
trepidation that I entered the newly opened Globe to see the 'Port's
finest. The venue was rammed, with more than a few punters having entered
into the spirit by coming dressed in typical ASBO/GLC garb. Indeed the
fact that several people sported headbands gave the dance floor a surreal
quality of a 118 118 look-a-like convention. The Globe used to be a
cinema and has been redecorated in a rather fetchingly mock Egyptian
tomb decor, but the fact that it still retains its mezzanine floor affords
mostly all of the large crowd a good view of the stage. I had just managed
to get a drink when the house lights dimmed and to the intro of "Half
Man, Half Machine" the stage was filled with the 18 legged rap
machine that is GLC.
There appeared to be some kind of role reversal going on, as whilst
the crowd stood attentively static, the stage was a mass of swirling
bodies, looking like an explosion in an Adidas factory. Each member
of the ensemble came to the front of the stage for a brief moment in
the limelight, and then melted back into the seething mass of Welsh
chavness. Not unsurprisingly the early numbers largely came from the
new album "Asbo4life" , although all stuck to the tried and
tested GLC sound and were rapturously received by the audience. Stand
out track is the new single " By Any Means Necessary" which
seemed to have a punkier edge, rather similar to early Blaggers ITA
or even the Prodigy, and with a monstrous shout-along chorus. Each number
is preceded by inter group banter and the overall feel of the evening
was of a band enjoying playing live again and having a good time, with
even the GLC male voice choir making an appearance for their tribute
to the last World Cup "Welcome to Germany" .
TV celebrity Maggot got a chance to shine with the eponymous track "The
Maggot". however most numbers are fronted by either Eggsy or Adam
Hussain. The latter producing one of the most catchy/annoying songs
with "Charmschool" which is a rap done entirely over a looped
tape of the Grange Hill themed tune. As the gig wore on the inevitable
show stoppers arrived with "Guns don't kill people, Rappers do",
being quickly followed by "Soap Bar" and Posh Spice's favourite
"Your Missus is a Nutter".
Finally, and perhaps because this was after all Mothering Sunday, they
closed out the night with "Your Mothers got a Penis", in which
they invited the audience up on stage to the bemusement of the bouncers.
Having completed their work they exited stage right, sweaty but unbowed,
and look to be truly back to their best.
So if you're mulling over the idea of spending your hard earned cash
on a ticket to see GLC when they are next in your manor, but are wondering
what are the chances of having a good time, take it from me its as "Safe
as F*ck, you knows it" !
Words : Bones; Pix - Steve B (more here)
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