Live Review
The Shimmer Band
KOKO, London
September 23 2016
Words/Photos: Kenny Davies
They might only be filling a support slot tonight and have the task of warming up the dedicated, cult-like following that top billers Milburn take with them to wherever they play, but Bristol's 'explosive psychedelic rock' five-piece The Shimmer Band prove they are up to the job.
This isn't an easy task with chants for the headliners ringing round the Camden venue, but with a Primal Scream meets Kasabian vibe with songs such as 'Freedom' with its big expansive technicolor sound, they work the room in fitting style. Singer Tom Newman, in trademark gold jacket and oversized sunglasses, prowls around the stage with a Richard Ashcroft strut, converting the masses with sobgs like 'Sunkick', which fills the venue and floats a summer feeling round with its uplifting hands in the air chorus, rumbling bass lines, military style drums and a backing choir that if done with live singers would sound even better.
By the time the band go into the last number, the kaleidoscope mash-up of dance rock 'Shoot Me Baby', the job of warming up the crowd has been achieved and shouts of "shoot me baby" can be heard amongst the growing crowd as the band dive into a final jam and a duel of frenetic drums, bass and squealing guitars, bouncing riffs around to claps and cheers.
A band to watch and follow, with the potential and sound to fill venues bigger than this in the future. And the future for The Shimmer Band looks shimmeringly bright.
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