"PUTTING THE FU BACK IN FUN" with CHUB

When asked to imagine a heavy metal band, you’d probably picture bats, black clothes, skulls, or graveyards - something dark and threatening, right? Well, try inflatable shark costumes and beer bongs because these are some of the scenes that you may witness at a CHUB gig. Formed in late 2019 following a collective anger at the UK General Election, this Eastbourne-hailing four-piece describe their music as “half-political, half-let’s-all-drink-and-party”, which is expertly portrayed in their live performance, as well as their released music.

CHUB transport listeners into their universe of metal inspired party punk – namely by 70s and 80s legends such as Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, and AC/DC. Despite being heavily influenced, their own unique sound does not fail to shine through; in the form of distinctively fluid riffs from Greg and Zakk, Kyle’s invigorating punk-style drums, and the deep hearty vocals of Ben. I’d consider it the kind of aggressive but contrastingly friendly metal that you could play in front of your elderly grandparents without sending them into cardiac arrest. Covid Kingpin, their second single, is a strong representation of these key elements. The coronavirus-themed song was written in the virus’ infancy, with heavy political yet somehow light-hearted lyrical content. It’s hard to believe that this song was penned before lockdown as they have cleverly tapped into a tough, relatable frustration that swept nationwide over the pandemic. Illustrating these feelings through music is a skill CHUB can pride themselves on. I recently visited the Blue Bar – a local, sticky-floored dive bar frequented by the boys of CHUB – to watch them headline, and I can honestly say it was the most fun I’ve had in a while. From the moment CHUB took the floor, they had the whole venue dancing, singing along, or just plainly marvelling at the shark costume that vocalist Ben was rocking. It truly was a sight to behold. These guys are masters of their craft, not only musically but they seem to be able to entertain a crowd, no matter what size; I can’t claim the bar was packed with people shoulder-to-shoulder, but that didn’t matter because the atmosphere that CHUB create could make any amount of people feel like a party. And it certainly did. Something special about CHUB is their brilliant on-stage chemistry. When I caught up with them following the gig, they credited this to the fact that they’ve “known each other for f*ckin’ ages,” having been friends for over 10 years. Bassist Zakk said it was a happy coincidence that each member of the friend group happened to play a different instrument prior to becoming a band, so it only made sense that CHUB was formed. Ultimately, I think CHUB are on rock; their rich history as friends partnered with their huge sense of fun, political awareness, and musical abilities makes them a real special band to encounter. Over the next few months, they will be releasing a series of singles leading up to their debut album – “Al Bum” – which drops in April 2023. You can find more information on their social media platforms @chubtheband, along with regular updates and content of what the band are up to. Keep your eyes and ears peeled because I have good feeling about this one!