FAT WHITE FAMILY at The Constellation Room Apr. 14 photo: Andy Ortega
The best shows, I believe, always start the same way: lead singer with a beer in their hand and fringe on their shirt. Well, maybe not all the best shows, but Fat White Family began their Apr. 14 show at The Constellation room just that way.
The six-piece group of English-born punks (in attitude and in musical style) covered the tiny room in what can only be described as the rebirthing of the UK punk sound we’ve all been missing. Although having only put out two albums, Champagne Holocaust (2013) and Songs for our Mothers (2016), the band holds their presence on the stage like any musical veteran.
Even if the band’s lead singer, Lias Saoudi, hadn’t been adorned in fringe, he definitely owned the stage, fluctuating his voice from a siren-type screech and immediately transitioning back to a deep, sultry growl. Both guitarists were not only perfectly in sync with each subtle lyrical change, but were also able to make an echo effect with singer Saul Adamczewski’s voice, creating a beauty of singing notes from each strum.
While already connecting intimately with the audience, the singer pulled down the mic stand and got on his knees to be eye level with the dancing crowd.
FAT WHITE FAMILY at The Constellation Room photo: Andy Ortega
Members Saul Adamczewski (Guitar, vocals), Severin Black (Drums), Adam J Harmer (Guitar), Taishi Nagasaka (Bass), Lias Saoudi (Lead vocals) and Nathan Saoudi (Organ) are bringing back the post punk culture one gig at a time.
Fat White Family definitely didn’t do all of the fame stealing that night, though. The opening band, Gateway Drugs, was the perfect beginning, starting off with an almost surf-rock meets indie-punk style.
The female-fronted band began with soft, breathy vocals, which silenced the enraptured audience, followed by an explosive lead guitar that brought the vibe of punk to the stage.
The band consists of siblings Gabe, Noa, and Liv Niles, along with Blues Williams. If you’re looking for a band that captures all of your surf rock, punk-filled rage and Morrison-esque sex appeal, this is the band for you.
Each member, aside from the bassist, took their chance at vocals, one-by-one proving their multitalented abilities. Gateway Drugs are definitely addicting and, once you’ve seen them, expect to find their songs lingering on your “recently played” list.