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Enter Shikari | Southampton October |
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Enter Shikari Southampton Guildhall 6/10/2009
The Lions are at the door as Enter Shikari go aboard their Common Dreads tour.
Back with their second album, Common Dreads, Enter Shikari spun off on their UK tour, hitting Southampton for their second date all fresh, ecstatically outrageous and raring to go.
After a rather long queue in the rain, moods had not be dampened in the slightest as support act, The Devil Wears Prada graced the stage, pumping screamo rage deep into the walls and cranking up the crowds heart rates. The mosh pits began to form as the Ohio band gave a rather impressive performance and as they filtered off the stage, Shikari’s pride was well and truly warmed up.
After a short sound check the room darkened. The atmosphere chilled and a chorus of Shikari rants could be heard. As a deep rumble flooded the room, the intro Common Dreads leaked out of the speakers. As the lyrics echoed throughout the arena, anticipation bubbled. Everyone knew what was coming; we just had to wait for that one line. ‘Here tonight, I clock a thousand heads, here to unite through common dreads.’ And then it happened.
Enter Shikari bounded on and everything switched to Solidarity. The lion’s den instantly spiralled out of control and the electrics kicked in. Lead singer, Rou Reynolds jumped up on the speaker, his voice so crisp that it rippled across the herd, sending everyone into an exhilarated tidal wave of mania. ‘What you got for me?’ Synths and bass kick in. ‘And now the floodgates will open.’’ Rou’s scream punctured eardrums and the strobes were blinding, but no one seemed phased for this is what they had been waiting for.
Shikari had their entire congregation seduced. Despite the humid air and the combination of people’s sweat, Shikari didn’t stop to catch their breath. They did however decide to step down a notch or two to embrace in the acoustical brilliance of Gap In the Fence. The crowd accepted the chilled ambience Shikari now projected, by standing still in respect, belting out the lyrics whilst waving flickering lighters.
But the cooled presence didn’t last long as everything soon kicked off again with a small reminder of hits from their first album. Followers of the Shikari religion chanted for some of the classics, but Rou and friends teased, catapulting into hits both old and new.
At one point, the crowd were fooled by the departure of Shikari as the stage emptied. Slightly unsure of whether it was an act, they weren’t left wondering for long as everything bounced back and Hectic pounded in. All too familiar with this track, the lions all rocked their bodies to the rhythm, following Rou as he madly leapt across the stage.
Still wanting more, the crowds pleaded with the band. ‘Sorry, you’re not a winner, sorry you’re not a winner!’ they screamed. Aware of their request, Shikari kept them on their toes, up until the very end.
The twinkle of electrics built up and screams reverberated. The claps cut in and then havoc commenced. Rou then came in with the infamous lyrics. ‘Scratch card glory or waste low pleasure? Black eyes nose bleeds, don’t look back now...’ All around, everyone is screaming the words, so heart felt like it means something to them. Their heads are in their hands, sweat dripping from their foreheads. Rou gives it all and literally leaves the crowds gasping for air right up until the track ends. But the rumble still continues. Rou swings his microphone erratically, head knocked back, taking in the last few seconds of the show. Everyone keeps going until eventually the lights come up and Enter Shikari make their exit.
The morning after, ears are ringing, hair is beer soaked and have suffered several bruises. But like any of that matters? Shikari delivered only the best, and by the sounds of their Twitter status (Southampton: hottest show so far. Blacked out at one point. Nice one all!), they must have had a bloody good time too.
Long live Enter Shikari and may the floodgates stay open.
Review by Sarah Brogden
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Comment by GUEST on 2009-10-07 09:03:28
SWEEET!!! |
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