24 October 2013 (gig)
26 October 2013
On their ten-year anniversary tour Gimmick Rap veterans Goldie Lookin Chain brought their satirical approach on 90’s chav culture into a venue that couldn’t have contrasted more. London’s Scala, a stone’s throw away from the beautiful gothic architecture of Kings Cross station usually houses glamorous pop and rock acts from London’s vibrant music scene. Tonight a gang of Welsh pseudo rudeboys hammered out hilarious lyrics about ice dildos, ripped tracksuits and Jedward, making the venue, which charges £7.50 for vodka and coke, an amusing juxtaposition.
Goldie Lookin Chain opened in a pantomimic fashion, with fractured songs being pumped out of overly bassy speakers. Every part of the act was a witty parody of 90s culture; from the mismatched trackies to the low budget disco lighting that adorned their humble black banner. The Chain’s audience demographic was curious, from middle aged tattooed men to chavvy teenagers, it seemed that the act’s cult following over the last ten years has transformed parody into reality, with few outfits looking gaudy enough to be fancy dress.
The general atmosphere of the crowd was fantastic. The group got them jumping and chanting consistently throughout the show and looking around it was hard to find a face not plastered with a grin, even if it was a cringing one. The disgusting humour of the Welshmen has had unexpected longevity, with tracks ‘Guns Don’t Kill People’ and ‘Soap Bar’ on comedic parallel with newer songs from the band’s new album “Kings of Caerleon”. However the show seemed short, with an extensive (and excellent) DJ set as a lengthy precursor to the show, which only lasted around 2 hours.
Whether you find them crude, rude or downright disgusting, it is undeniable that Goldie Lookin Chain have a rare ability to unite music fans of all ages with their comedic flair. For a night of uncontrollable laughter, cheap jokes and ironic (or actual) skanking see GLC in a town near you, innit.
