One of the finest bands to emerge from Cornwall in recent years, The Chinaski Effect are back in action at The Clipper in Camborne tomorrow (Friday) and headlining a four-band extravaganza at the Millennium Hall in Portreath on Saturday, December 10. Formed in 2002, this St Austell four-piece consisting of drummer Chris Morley, guitarist Alex Stenhouse, bassist Matt Duggan and singer/guitarist Kevin Pearce have been making waves this year spreading their brand of alternative punk rock around the county and beyond.
If you haven't heard of them yet hang your head in shame, although by the band's admission they have too often been bridesmaids and not brides.
"This has been a big year for us in terms of becoming a headline band rather than just clinging onto other bands' coat tails," said singer/guitarist Kevin Pearce. "But the aim is to take it up a level again."
Thanks to the support of a small group of loyal fans and supporters backed by their outstanding six-track EP recorded at legendary Sawmills Studio, they have become a must-see local act.
A ferocious blend of hacksaw guitars and tuneful choruses underscored with moments of subtle calm, cynical humour and angry delivery, Chinaski have carved a distinct niche for themselves in the local music community.
Taking their cue from their often bleak clay country upbringing, guitarist Alex Stenhouse says disconsolately: "We're proud of where we come from but to this day when somebody says St Austell all I can picture is sitting in run down clay works trying to shelter from the rain."
It is from this boredom he became involved in music and ultimately formed the band. With a general distaste for pub cover bands, the St Austell foursome decided that they would only play their own songs, much to the delight of this music lover.
Highlights have included gigs at various venues here in Cornwall, as well as an appearance at the Castle Rock festival alongside the likes of Reuben, Offshore, Sanguine, Burning Coalition, B*Movie Heroes and The Needles. Plus, let's not forget several memorable appearances in Plymouth, most notably a hell-raising bus journey to The Phoenix with local superstars Baby Astrolab and friends. The band took their first steps into the wider music world with a trek to Birmingham earlier this year and a potential gig in London on the cards, things are starting to come good for The Chinaski Effect. However, the band are not resting on their laurels. More recording sessions are being planned and at the moment they are concentrating on demoing new songs on four-track. "We might release the results of these sessions if they turn out ok, but it's mainly about documentation. We've been playing some of these songs for three years now and we really want to thrash out a new set for next year," continued Stenhouse.
They also aim to continue raising the profile of music in Cornwall "There are so many good bands down here, all with such differing sounds and I see so many kids with band hoodies on and just wonder if they are even aware that they exist. Baby Astrolab have really laid a marker down in terms of effort and quality but bands like Blindfold Garden and Kelly Don't Drive and numerous others are really good too, we just need more people to sit up and support us locally."
Support the local live music scene by checking out The Chinaski Effect at The Clipper in Camborne on Friday, December 2, or see them at the Millennium Hall in Portreath on Saturday, December 10 with support from Last Warning, Cheese Steak Jimmy's and The Lucky Polar Bears.
For information see www.myspace.com/thechinaskieffect or email thechinaskieffect@hotmail.com
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