N*E*R*D*/Chester French - Academy 1 - 20/08/08 by Ben Connell

Tonight’s support act has recently been thrust into the spotlight for reasons other than their musical attributes. Signed to Pharrell Williams’ own record label, he has described Chester French as ‘musical geniuses’ and claims that we will ‘watch history unfold with these guys’.

From tonight’s performance you could have been mistaken for thinking Pharrell had been listening to a completely different band. Whilst the musical abilities of what appears to be no more than a backing band are second to none, front man Maxwell Drummey frolics around onstage in tight jeans aimlessly wafting a tambourine above his head desperately hogging the spotlight.

Musical interludes do suggest this band could one day go on to do fantastic things, however this is abruptly ruined as Drummey returns to the stage screeching tunelessly into the microphone. The crowd show little enthusiasm and Chester French are met with lacklustre applause as they depart the stage.

Pharrell Williams is somewhat of a legend in the land of popular music, collaborating with multi million dollar selling artists from Madonna to Snoop Dogg and then producing the single ‘Like I Love You’ for Justin Timberlake’s five times platinum album ‘Justified’.

So it comes as no surprise tonight when he receives a hero’s welcome, with fans shelling out thirty pounds a ticket to breathe the same air as this man. He appears determined not to let anyone down by thundering through a fantastic set featuring crowd favourites ‘Rock Star’, ‘Everyone Nose’ and the controversial ‘Spaz’.

I must admit that before the gig I had preconceptions that all the glitz and glamour of the rockstar lifestyle may have gone to his head, but Pharrell’s excellent banter with the crowd makes him appear a genuine, down to earth front man ensuring everyone relishes in the party atmosphere.

Lots of N*E*R*D*’s sound echoes jazzy yet grimey influences most noticeable in the musicianship of the band. Excellent displays from drummer Shae Haley and guitarist Chad Hugo prove that this band is certainly a very talented, tight outfit.