The Shimmer Band were performing on Bonfire night lends itself to a host of firework jokes, of which I’ll spare you, but you get the picture. Shortly after forming in Bristol less than two years ago they managed to sell out their first gig off the back of a few DIY demos, swiftly followed by managerial interest. Cut to 18 months later and the five-piece are playing to packed crowds around the UK. It’s been a quick ascent to the level they’re at but a quick glimpse into their perfectly crafted live show exhibits why they’re one of the most tipped bands in the UK.

Within a hotbed of euphoric guitar riffs, psych synthetics and substantial grooves, the group’s compositions hook you in from the offset and demand your attention. With singalong choruses being the lifeblood of their songs, along with their distinct affiliation to contagious melodies, it’s hard to pinpoint where the influences lie exactly. There are shades of Screamadelica along with the guitar work of Storm in Heaven era Verve and these attachments lead to a potential mass market. The Shimmer Band perfectly tread the line of having the gargantuan beats that attract the testosterone-filled lad rock crowd, laced with the mind altering soundscapes and spikey riffs which appeal to music fans with a more acquired taste. It’s a potent mix that should see them soon fill venues that eclipse The Hope and Ruin.

Mantras then arrived on stage with a great deal of fanfare. The four-piece were launching their new EP and exhibited all the positive characteristics of Manchester-based rock ‘n’ roll from the 1990s. Under the backdrop of solid rhythmic work, the band constructed immense soundscapes of baggy rock that perfectly fluctuated between epic psych breakdowns, solid vocal delivery and delicate six string work. Ever since The Music decided to call it a day in 2011 there’s been a distinct lack of bands linking raunchy guitar and thunderous tempos together to create epic dance rock. Mantras’ arrival threatens to dispel this.

The rest of the night consisted of local bands from Brighton with House Points and Red Emperors both exhibiting varying forms of indie rock. The former’s catchy fuzz-based riffage burst the night into life before the latter’s rhythmic inclinations had hints of funk immersed into their productions.
Paul Hill

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