Sun, 18 Jun 2006 12:00am

Live | Chumbawamba (Acoustic)

I went to see Chumbawamba play an acoustic set as part of the 'Big Session' festival at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on Sunday.

I've been something of a fan of the band for many years (in fact, I was amazed to realise that I bought my first Chumba album in 1988) and have seen them play as an 'electric' band many times. This, however, was the first time I'd seen them in this stripped-down formation.

While I still think nothing beats the full-on live electric Chumbawamba experience, the show was excellent. They mostly played stuff from the older 'Rebel Songs' and two most recent albums, and reminded me - if I needed reminding - just how good they are at mixing pop/folk with an uncompromising political message.

Author: Sean Clark