15 June 2025 (gig)
16 June 2025
While Chantel McGregor is, without question, one of the finest talents in the UK at the moment, she needs a team around her that match her undoubted talents if she is to go to the next level. I’m not totally convinced that her touring band are ‘right’ for her style of Rock.
Sunday at the Tap Room at Thames Side Breweries saw Chantel lay down a set of numbers from her superb new album, along with a goodly number from her back catalogue.
Her voice was in fine form and the new numbers such as ‘Broken Heartless Liar’ really came to life on stage. She is transitioning towards a more Prog style of music – her love for Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree is well documented – and this was a set far more leaning towards that than Blues. Numbers like ‘Anaesthetise’, performed without bass or drums, stretched out and created a very Prog like maelstrom of guitar work. ‘Truth Will Out’ climaxed in a huge psychedelic guitar workout.
The full crowd at the gig were appreciative of the new material but older tracks such as ‘Breate’ and ‘Lose Control’ really grabbed their applause. That being said, the ‘encore’ of ‘The Healing’ got massive applause and big love from the crowd.
She seemed to have a fine rapport with bass player Colin Sutton, and he certainly sounded top quality. I was less impressed with drummer Tom Gardner – too loud and ‘bright’ sounding – although that may have been the shiny surfaces of the venue and its high metal roof, all too often he was masking McGregors playing.
A fine afternoon of excellent music and I will happily continue to follow Ms McGregor as she continues on her seemingly endless tour schedule.
A brief word for Tom Killner. An excellent set of American-based songs. Gorgeous acoustic guitar and harmonica playing. The young man is a real talent and a pleasant surprise to hear live.
