GIG REVIEW: Daughtry

Daughtry
Scala, London
27th November 2007
Review by Katie Spain

When I met Chris Daughtry in a London studio last month, I was struck by his resemblance to Live’s Ed Kowalczyk and Tool’s Maynard James Keenan. Turns out he has the voice to match. In the half-hour I spent interviewing him and bass player Brian Craddock we talked about Batman, bald heads and Bon Jovi. Last night at their sold out Scala gig however, the guys talked only one language; good old fashioned Rock.

Since our first meeting, it’s all been happening in Daughtry world and last night, the London crowd were pulled in for the ride. Walking must be hard for this lot right now - what, with pockets full of American Music Awards (three in the last innings) and a UK album release on the way, there's a big load to carry. Hang on... is that a hint of cockiness I notice? Nope, it must have been an optical illusion - this is a group with as much natural charisma and genuine respect for the fans it's almost sickening. Pass me a towel... I'm about to start gushing.

Like their previous London gig at the Borderline, last night's show sold out in minutes. Word has spread about the tattooed apple of America's eye. It's no wonder really - the frontman reached the final of 'American Idol' before losing out ahead of the finishing line. Fate? Maybe... chat to Chris, and you see that he was keen to bypass the Idol days, straight into the unit that is 'Daughtry'; A tight, awe-inspiring unit that'll blow your socks off. Spare them the clichés though journos - Idol was but a mere flash in the pan when this lot are concerned. The proof is in the American puddin' and last night London witnessed the most exciting live experience I've seen in a long time.

UK band Mexicolas warmed the already steaming audience up with as much fervour as can be expected from a support band. It's a good thing they worked up a thirst - we had to wait nearly an hour between bands. All the better to milk the bar dry with my dears. I opted for a booze free night (which is why the annoying guys in front of me got on my nerves so much). Here's a quick hint to all gig goers - if you're going to spend the whole night hollering to your mate about your latest 'conquest' go do it in the men's loos. You can get the full effect of the sound of your own foghorn in there.

Obnoxious, self obsessed cretins aside, Daughtry powered through a set to remember. It soon became obvious that a smelly armpit vantage point would just not do - so in true 'small person' spirit I flicked off my boots and slotted myself neatly in a level one alcove. From there, I had the full impact of a well toned band rocking their hearts out for the ultimate live experience. You know what, that's what makes these guys special. Their success can not merely be attributed to Chris and his amazing vocal range, a drummer with a sweaty bravado, guitar masters nor the size of the Marshalls behind them. Nope, on stage chemistry is where Daughtry hit gold.

They play hard, riff harder and all the while tiptoe the line between 'not top heavy, not too light, just right'. They're certainly not metal (as my somewhat disillusioned companion suggested) but they do make Bon Jovi look like a lovesick puppy. Not that you can mess with the best - we all need a bit of lovin'. Yep, last night, Daughtry had it all. The set was long and packed with tunes from their debut album 'Daughtry'. The crowd sang along to every word of 'Over you', 'Crashed', It's Not Over', 'What I Want' and of course 'Home'. We got acoustic, frantic thrashing and a finale that exposed where the band seem to feel most comfortable. Loud.

American Rock is well overdue a band to bridge the mainstream and the hard cores. Where Pearl Jam, Live, Feul and Tool left off, this band is there to extend their outstretched hand and pull the manufactured Pop lovers out of their brainwashed stupor. After playing small pubs and dingy stages, these guys obviously appreciate every second on stage.

Last night was an intimate insight into a sure fire success. The Americans love them and the Brits are sure to follow suit. Fans were embraced by their idol and sweaty mementos rained down on adoration soaked faces. This is a band that will suit big arenas as well as the small; we were lucky to witness the latter.

Call me a sucker for the good old ear pleasers but I enjoyed every second of this concert. As a night owl with a daily gig diary, that's an order that isn't often served up on a plate. Sure, you won't all love Daughtry, but if Rock in it's melodic, gut wrenching form was a part of your youth, turn off your worn out albums and give a new band a try. Try them live and Who knows, you might just bump into Ed Kowalczyk in the front row.