NME's Dean Chalkley’s first photographic exhibition at the Spitz Gallery back in February, ‘Now Stand Tall!…icons of the new sonic generation,’ celebrated the leaders of a vibrant and contemporary music scene. Attracting over 5,000 visitors over its two week run it was deemed a great success.

On August 16 the doors of the Spitz open once again to Chalkley’s world. This time the spotlight is on Southend-on-Sea. Leave behind any preconceptions and seaside images, this goes beyond the seafront. …this is the sound of the underground. A body of work that depicts Southend’s youth counter culture. Like the mods of the ‘60’s or the punks of the ‘70’s this burgeoning scene demands recognition.

Chalkley looks at the main protagonists, and gives and insight into what is happening…Southend is now starting to have a strong impact. Bands like Neils Children’, ‘The Violets’ and ‘Xerox Teens’ have been adopted as members, and others, such as ‘The Horrors’ and ‘These New Puritans’ have come directly out of it.

The show is not however only about bands; it is a window into the characters that make up a movement. The club night ‘Junk’ has acted as the catalyst to all this activity. It is a document of a crucial piece of youth culture.

Southend’s Underground runs from Wednesday 16^th August @ Spitz Gallery, 109 Commercial Street, London E1 6BG.

Gallery opening times are:

Mon to Sat: 12 noon till 6pm

Sun: 11am till 6pm

Admission: FREE

www.spitz.co.uk for info on the gallery.