Review: Chase and Status at Rock City, Nottingham

THERE is nothing subtle about Chase and Status in a live setting.

They come to bring ‘carnage’, as frontman MC Rage continually reminded the audience packed into Rock City last night.

And from the opening beats of ‘No problem’, to the final encore ‘Fool Yourself’, they turned the venue into a mass of seething bodies, in a brutal onslaught of drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, rock and trance.

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The versatility of last night’s headline act, led by production duo Saul ‘Chase’ Milton and Will ‘Status’ Kennard, drew an eclectic crowd.

Ravers moshed with rockers, as hits from the 2011 album ‘No More Idols’ were churned out at pace. In a set that lasted around 75 minutes, there were few chances to catch a breath.

While there was no appearance from Plan B for ‘End Credits’ or 2008 track ‘Pieces’, Chase and Status were joined on stage last night by Tempa T for ‘Hypest Hype’, and Delilah provided her sweet voice for new single ‘Time’, and the remix of Nneka’s ‘Heartbeat’.

MC Rage stalked the front of the stage, inciting the crowd to keep up with the set, while bass literally shook the floor and blisteringly heavy rock guitars pounded the ears.

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Holding it all together with an outstanding performance was drummer Andy Gangadeen.

The biggest reaction from the audience came when Nottingham’s own Liam Bailey came on stage for ‘Blind Faith’, a single that reached number five in the UK charts, and perhaps the most feel-good offering from ‘No More Idols’.

The lyrical mantra ‘the music that we play, will ease your mind’ rang true for a delighted and adoring fan base, at least according to the smiling faces and raised hands all over Rock City during the penultimate track.

Bailey, having crooned brilliantly and clearly enjoyed himself in his home town, departed and left Chase and Status to creat havoc with the finale.

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Chorus ‘You can only fool yourself for so long’ was bellowed back to the stage from the floor, by a Nottingham crowd who could probably only maintain their ferver for so long.

The city that spawned crossover kings Pitchshifter most definitely approved of Chase and Status and their multi-genre skillset, leaving the venue with beats quite literally ringing in their ears.

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