Margo + The Chap (margothechap)

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I've been meaning to see The Chap for a long, long time. Their reputation for quirky, unmissable 'disco' has always seemed too good to miss. But every time I've been invited, I've either already had plans or felt too ill or tired to attend. However, this gig's last-minute arrangements meant they were playing underneath the offices I work at. It would be sheer churlish for me not to attend in the circumstances, right?

Now, state51 is a strange place. Without people in it, it's a cold, derelict, somewhat spooky and not exactly welcoming place to turn up to on a dark Autumnal eve. And yet, as people slowly start to fill the smaller room of state51's cavernous largely uninhabited downstairs space, the conviviality of the people, the cheapness of the beer and the visuals by Italian VJ visitor Mattia (of Kinotek) soon make for a friendly, almost homely, atmosphere.

Mattia's visuals soon give way to an animated feature, soundtracked by Margo (who're getting ready on stage as the film plays). A child-nightmareish story about a bunch of orphans captured by an evil wizard, it suits the rough brick backdrop perfectly. The Tim Burton-esque film's soundtrack is evocative Margo at their best. My friend tells me he thinks he'll have nightmares tonight.

The film finished, the music segues into a live performance which is mesmerising and beautiful. Lead singer Melanie Massons is almost an animation herself, a blond doll of a girl, singing in a breathy kid-like voice. She even curtsies after songs! At times the voice and the image grates - too much sugar, not enough spice. But the audience can't complain much, plus there is enough grit coming from the boys on guitars, bass and keyboards to create just about enough balance.

A short break and we're introduced to The Chap. No worries about too much sugar here. They're completely bonkers. And their music is almost indescribeable. Keith goes mad, attacking his violin like a frenzied axe murderer. Meantime, Claire Hope's deadpan spoken words on 'Courage And Modesty', make it sound like she's announcing at school assembly. By the time insane 'hit' single 'I Got Flattened By A Pig Farmer' drops in, we're hooked on their bizarre brand of deconstructed pop.

Frankly, it's impossible not to jump up and down and grin like mad bastards while The Chap are in front of you, building noise, wiring up weird shit and generally fucking with the notion of 'music' without destroying it altogether.
It might seem like it's all chucked together at the last minute - but this is clever stuff. They make it sound as if rhythm and tuning was chucked rock'n'roll outta the window along with the TV. But these guys have a tight grip on what they're about. And they never, ever lose it.

Walking down Brick Lane on my way home I noticed Autumn returned to my limbs. But the mid-week blues couldn't get me. And who could ask for much more?