Now you may remember I reviewed Chronixx's debut London performance last year. Well, it's that time again. He performed to a sold out crowd in Electric Brixton (formerly The Fridge). Oh, big up everyone who turned up on the door. Unlucky. Now everyone who is someone should know the history of Brixton and Jamaicans. It may not be that way anymore due to fassyoles and their gentrification, but we still associate Brixton with Jamaicans. Whereas last year was in north London, this felt more like where Chronixx was supposed to be.
My expectations were a lot different time around. Last year, was more apprehension. Will he deliver? Will the crowd be into him as much as I am? Will it be some stiff, lame out crowd? All of that was dispelled in the first song. This time was more a "Will I be underwhelmed because the last was an other-worldly experience?" one. How does one top the best debut performance I've ever seen?
Well, good news guys. He bettered my expectation. I don't know if I'd say this was a better concert, nor do I think it's something that matters, really. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Walked in as Rootikal were running tunes. Healthy warmers set for the headline DJ and living legend, David Rodigan. I haven't seen Rodigan play at that sort of function before. Either festivals or clubs full of people who aren't hardened reggae fans which means he usually mixes it up more. His set was class. Full of anthems, top quality interaction, specials, 45s and the famous Rodigan jumping.
Shortly before 10pm, following a couple Bob Marley sing along's ("Is This Love?" and "Could You Be Loved"), he introduces the man we were all there to see. Band begins playing "Alpha & Omega" from the Dread & Terrible EP - a tune I've been rinsing recently so I'm fully vibsing already. Eye's shut, invisible natty shaking, the whole shabang. Chronixx appears )I see him through the sea of glaring screens recording the entrance), the place erupts, the show begins.
Second song is the song he began with last time, "Start A Fyah". Third song (I think) was "They Don't Know" followed "Ain't No Giving In" or vice-versa. A big sing-along ensues during "They Don't Know". All four songs are delivered without time for a breather so the intensity levels and vibes are high at this point just as any show is supposed to. Each song built the levels a bit higher than the one before.
Stripped back performances of "Rain Music" (the third song I heard by him) and "Somewhere" brought screams and sing along's from the ladies, before ending the chapter on "Smile Jamaica". Really clever part of the show. The stripped back songs brought energy levels down, showcased his vocals (while his vocals aren't pitch perfect, they're soaked in soul/emotion), "Smile Jamaica" turned the levels up a notch and is still a part of the lovers theme.
Chronixx then informs us that the performance is split into three chapters. I'd describe the first chapter as the uplifting segment, he says the second is about re-writing the distorted history we have been given, before launching into "Capture Land". Big forward in the second verse when he says "Now here comes the teefing [thieving] Queen from England."
Next up was a moment I wasn't I totally surprised by nor would I say I expected it. Protoje joined Chronixx on stage to perform probably the biggest reggae song in 2014, "Who Knows". Protoje's in Europe and said he'll appear at various things. Nobody wouldn't be interested in a sell-out show in Brixton, London. It was a great moment that produced the first wheel of the night. I think the two have only performed this twice before. See it below.
That took the night to another level. I'd say the levels had risen dramatically about four times so far. Right after that, he decided to raise the levels higher again. "Here Comes Trouble" went off tremendously well. Second wheel-up of the night.
I know "Most I" and "Thanks and Praise" were in the mix somewhere too.
Introducing the final segment with a tribute to dancehall, he fired off "Spirulina", ska song "Rastaman Wheel Out" (sounded a lot better live then it does on record. Has a rougher sound) and getting lighters and phone torches in the air to "Like A Whistle" before ending on "Behind Curtain". The speech before "Behind Curtain" was real. Explained that dancehall and reggae are essentially one, but dancehall has been clouded by sensationalism and too many following the wrong aspect - insisting conscious lyrics has always had a place in dancehall. Third wheel-up came at this point.
Upon exit stage left, Rodigan said "History has been made" before asking if we want more. Obviously Rodi! "Eternal Fire" kicked off the encore, before "Warrior" which segued into "Nuff ah talk 'bout buss!" Yep, "Odd Ras" lifted the roof off again. The toasting, tribute to Super Cat via "Ghetto Red Hot" and other bits ended the show higher than the first. An encore is all that was missing first time. Glad it was included this time.
While I wouldn't say it was better than the first show (first shows have sentimental value), he proved it wasn't a fluke. He's grown in confidence, improved his command and vocal projection. I didn't mind it first time, but there weren't anywhere near as many dub-wise versions. And the set list was spot on. Numerous peaks and brought it down in the right places. Everyone left wowed again.
To gauge what I saw/what you missed, below is Chronixx performing to 5,000 in Central Park, New York a couple weeks ago. Big up the good dons over at LargeUp.com for organising. We had singer Maverick Sabre, producers/DJ's Chase & Status + radio presenter Vanessa Feltz (lol!), NY had Mick Jagger and his family celebrating Mick's birthday.
My expectations were a lot different time around. Last year, was more apprehension. Will he deliver? Will the crowd be into him as much as I am? Will it be some stiff, lame out crowd? All of that was dispelled in the first song. This time was more a "Will I be underwhelmed because the last was an other-worldly experience?" one. How does one top the best debut performance I've ever seen?
Well, good news guys. He bettered my expectation. I don't know if I'd say this was a better concert, nor do I think it's something that matters, really. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Walked in as Rootikal were running tunes. Healthy warmers set for the headline DJ and living legend, David Rodigan. I haven't seen Rodigan play at that sort of function before. Either festivals or clubs full of people who aren't hardened reggae fans which means he usually mixes it up more. His set was class. Full of anthems, top quality interaction, specials, 45s and the famous Rodigan jumping.
Shortly before 10pm, following a couple Bob Marley sing along's ("Is This Love?" and "Could You Be Loved"), he introduces the man we were all there to see. Band begins playing "Alpha & Omega" from the Dread & Terrible EP - a tune I've been rinsing recently so I'm fully vibsing already. Eye's shut, invisible natty shaking, the whole shabang. Chronixx appears )I see him through the sea of glaring screens recording the entrance), the place erupts, the show begins.
Second song is the song he began with last time, "Start A Fyah". Third song (I think) was "They Don't Know" followed "Ain't No Giving In" or vice-versa. A big sing-along ensues during "They Don't Know". All four songs are delivered without time for a breather so the intensity levels and vibes are high at this point just as any show is supposed to. Each song built the levels a bit higher than the one before.
Stripped back performances of "Rain Music" (the third song I heard by him) and "Somewhere" brought screams and sing along's from the ladies, before ending the chapter on "Smile Jamaica". Really clever part of the show. The stripped back songs brought energy levels down, showcased his vocals (while his vocals aren't pitch perfect, they're soaked in soul/emotion), "Smile Jamaica" turned the levels up a notch and is still a part of the lovers theme.
Chronixx then informs us that the performance is split into three chapters. I'd describe the first chapter as the uplifting segment, he says the second is about re-writing the distorted history we have been given, before launching into "Capture Land". Big forward in the second verse when he says "Now here comes the teefing [thieving] Queen from England."
Next up was a moment I wasn't I totally surprised by nor would I say I expected it. Protoje joined Chronixx on stage to perform probably the biggest reggae song in 2014, "Who Knows". Protoje's in Europe and said he'll appear at various things. Nobody wouldn't be interested in a sell-out show in Brixton, London. It was a great moment that produced the first wheel of the night. I think the two have only performed this twice before. See it below.
That took the night to another level. I'd say the levels had risen dramatically about four times so far. Right after that, he decided to raise the levels higher again. "Here Comes Trouble" went off tremendously well. Second wheel-up of the night.
I know "Most I" and "Thanks and Praise" were in the mix somewhere too.
Introducing the final segment with a tribute to dancehall, he fired off "Spirulina", ska song "Rastaman Wheel Out" (sounded a lot better live then it does on record. Has a rougher sound) and getting lighters and phone torches in the air to "Like A Whistle" before ending on "Behind Curtain". The speech before "Behind Curtain" was real. Explained that dancehall and reggae are essentially one, but dancehall has been clouded by sensationalism and too many following the wrong aspect - insisting conscious lyrics has always had a place in dancehall. Third wheel-up came at this point.
Upon exit stage left, Rodigan said "History has been made" before asking if we want more. Obviously Rodi! "Eternal Fire" kicked off the encore, before "Warrior" which segued into "Nuff ah talk 'bout buss!" Yep, "Odd Ras" lifted the roof off again. The toasting, tribute to Super Cat via "Ghetto Red Hot" and other bits ended the show higher than the first. An encore is all that was missing first time. Glad it was included this time.
While I wouldn't say it was better than the first show (first shows have sentimental value), he proved it wasn't a fluke. He's grown in confidence, improved his command and vocal projection. I didn't mind it first time, but there weren't anywhere near as many dub-wise versions. And the set list was spot on. Numerous peaks and brought it down in the right places. Everyone left wowed again.
To gauge what I saw/what you missed, below is Chronixx performing to 5,000 in Central Park, New York a couple weeks ago. Big up the good dons over at LargeUp.com for organising. We had singer Maverick Sabre, producers/DJ's Chase & Status + radio presenter Vanessa Feltz (lol!), NY had Mick Jagger and his family celebrating Mick's birthday.
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