Chicago – Since forming in 2011, U.K. six-piece Fat White Family has become known for wild, outlandish live performances complete with nudity, blood, and butchered animal parts. All things considered, this week’s Chicago show at Lincoln Hall was rather tame, but FWF still entertained. Frontman Lias Saoudi climbed speakers and strutted around stage, bathed in red lights, like a total badass. He leaned into the crowd, waving around his mic stand, his arms flailing like spaghetti. The rowdy crowd ate it up, jumping around, smashing into one another, and tossing the occasional beer.
The men of Fat White Family are as real as it gets. Lead singer Lias Saoudi, guitarist and vocalist Saul Adamczewski, drummer Jack Everett, organist Nathan Saoudi, guitarist Adam J Harmer, and bassist Tishi Nagasaka (who replaced Joe Pancucci) tell it like it is, with raw lyrics and quite a bit of social commentary in their mix of punk, psychedelia, and skuzzy, hazy rock ‘n’ roll… and at times, a little bit of country. The Fat Whites don’t hold back on stage or off – for example, take this recent interview on politics – making them all the more lovable. Fans’ adoration was evident the moment the British rockers made their way on stage. Applause and whistles welcomed FWF, followed by an instant sing-along to the groovy “Auto Neutron,” off their 2014 debut Champagne Holocaust (on Fat Possum).
Next song in, things started to get crazy, with a mosh pit forming for the song Fat White Family recently performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, “Is It Raining In Your Mouth?” Sweat rained down as Saoudi shook his shaggy head like a wet dog, to the beat of the drums. Smiles and laughter filled the front of the house. Sweaty fingers pushed fans to and fro. Guitars clanged and growled, offset by the organ piping a bewitching melody.
Things got especially crazy during “Heaven On Earth.” Frankly, it was surprising no one attempted to surf the crowd. The madness continued for the rest of the night, only slowing down a touch for “Garden Of The Numb,” with its sheepish, podunk feel. The night ended with fan favorite “Bomb Disneyland.” While Lias Saoudi convulsed around stage, people shouted, “Give the kids a rope and let them hang themselves!” People danced wildly till the band left the stage. Sadly, they didn’t return for a much-desired encore… but perhaps next Chi-town gig, FWF will grace fans with a little something extra? Fingers crossed!
Baltimore babes Sun Club started the night out with their “dirty sunshine” pop. Best New Bands last caught Sun Club when they rolled into the Windy City for TNK Fest, and just as they did then, Shane Justice McCord (guitar & vocals), Adam Shane (bass), Devin McCord (drums), Mikey Powers (guitar & vocals), and Kory Albert Johnson (percussion, keys & vocals) got crazy, jumping around and shaking what their mommas gave ‘em, to favorites like “Worm City” and “Beauty Meat.” The guys joined The Fat Whites for the first half of their North American tour, but Sun Club is now off to Europe for a brief May tour.
Fat White Family is currently touring North America and will be touring Europe throughout the summer. Tour dates can be found on their facebook page. Champagne Holocaust is available for purchase on iTunes.
Photos by Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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