Chaplin’s, Cellar Bar, Boscombe
Tonight we are at the Cellar Bar in Boscombe to celebrate the prestigious venue’s 15th birthday. Chaplin’s have built up a solid reputation as an original music venue and wholeheartedly supports the local music scene giving all comers opportunities to perform live at a host of eclectic events. At the helm of the live music is local legend Conrad Barr, who lovingly and eccentrically curates the venue’s live music programme which includes acts every day of the week. Over the 15 years he has nurtured a host of talented and varied acts.
Venue owner Harry Seccombe and his award-winning team should be congratulated for all the hard work that the venue puts in. Chaplin’s has become the centre of the community and is a safe haven for anyone who peacefully wants to let their hair down for a night out. If it’s for a meal; just a snack, a quiet drink or a full-on night out with live entertainment, the venue is one of the best places in town to hang out. Tonight’s musical performances come from highly acclaimed rising local singer/songwriter Millie Watson and one of the venue’s most prolific acts The Lantern Parade from Southampton.
Millie takes to the stage just before 10pm and is faced by a well-oiled, rowdy crowd; who she immediately attempts to tame. Kicking off with one of her own compositions “Seabirds”, the audience stops their conversations and look towards the stage to see where this divine voice is coming from. Millie has been performing here for quite a while now and those in the know are aware she is one of the best female vocalists to perform here since the dulcet tones of the amazing Kaia Vieira. Her voice is so natural and easily radiates out into the audience and into their hearts.
Her songs like “Sweetly on My Own” and “World Still Turns” are so relatable with simplistic, easy-to-follow lyrics. A few covers including Scottish classic “Will You Go Lassie” and the bluegrass themed tune “Down on Penny’s Farm” are enough to get the partygoers dancing along. She strums her acoustic guitar without a plectrum and creates some nice creative melodies throughout her songs.
A political statement in a song in most cases is usually a subtle one, not in Millie’s case; her final number “Fuck the Tories” gets her strong viewpoint bravely across with no messing. The Cellar Bar crowd know the drill and soon pick up the lyrics with the vast majority agreeing with her political stance. It’s a great ending to a rather impressive 40 minute set. Millie has a great career ahead of her and with the right guidance, hopefully she will soon be branching out further afield.
Tonight’s headliners The Lantern Parade arrive here after their short trip down the M27 with a few minor changes to their line-up, including the first outing for their new drummer Charlie Brown. The Cellar Bar stage is small and only just accommodates this five-piece with a makeshift two chair set-up for a keyboard stand. The rest of the band feature Aaron Davis – Guitar, Brandon Otto – bass, James Inflames – Keys and Paul Keward on lead vocals. They kick off with their 2020 single the powerful “Terracide” , which reminds me of a cross between “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel and “Kick it” In by Simple Minds…a great combination. The cellar bar is packed tonight with a mixed bunch of all ages down here to enjoy the venue’s live music and celebrate this landmark birthday.
The band feed off the audience’s energy and provide a host of uplifting tunes. The 80’s influenced “Anonymity” is a highlight; where new drummer Charlie shows his worth working seamlessly with bassist Otto, providing some spot-on infectious rhythms. Frontman Paul does his best with the space he has, leaping around and showing off some of his best Dad dance moves; while providing plenty of encouragement with the now bouncing audience. Aaron and James are clearly the backbone of the band, providing some wonderfully creative melodies that give the songs a unique feel. After a nine song strong set the band bring their fun-packed set to a close. I think I, along with the rest of the audience were hoping for an encore to top off the night perfectly; but it was not to be. Resident DJ Conrad has the job of keeping the party going with a host of well selected tunes to keep the early morning revellers away from their beds until at least 3am….
Set List
The Lantern Parade:
Terracide
The Whiskey Song
Braul
Fate
Anonymity
Sinking Sand (Superman)
Black Then Blue
Romeo & Juliet
Solar Power
Millie Watson
Seabirds
Sweetly on My Own
World Still Turns
St James Infirmary (The White Stripes)
Will You Go Lassie (Wild Mountain Thyme)
Warfare of the Heart
Down on Penny’s Farm
Holly Song
Chasing Crows
Hold On
Fuck the Tories
Video
Links
https://www.facebook.com/thelanternparade
https://www.facebook.com/MissMillieWatson
Words & Media by David Chinery.
Thanks so much for the review, and posting the videos. We had such a good night, because the crowd were driving us on – best yet by miles! We’re really glad you enjoyed the show and your comments picked up some interesting and revealing points – I’d never heard the Billy Joel link, but now I’ve listened to it, it’s so there!
Hope to see you next time,
James, TLP