ENTER SHIKARI // A Clean Sweep

ENTER SHIKARI with Hacktivist and Stories // 170 Russell, Melbourne // 19th September, 2016

Unforeseen circumstances mean that Stories arrive on stage half an hour late to their support on Enter Shikari’s The Redshift Tour. With a larger crowd than what they were likely expecting, the band welcomed 170 Russell to their final ever Melbourne show.

Stories // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Unfortunately their show lacked the requisite charisma to engage the crowd early. Perhaps their emphasis on long instrumentals were too drawn out for an audience that seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves. Alone In The Fallout saw heads begin to nod, and drummer Roscoe Frazier is largely to thank for his dedication to cymbal smashes. Vocalist Morgan Dodson seemed rushed when he began his thanks and final words of wisdom; understandably due to their strict time slot. Still, For A Second… I Couldn’t See A Thing‘s final break shows that Stories deserved more respect than they received. As they depart, it’s an ungracious end to a turbulent career, but not all bands get to ride off into the sunset on a sold out, sweaty headline tour.

Hacktivist // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Hacktivist are back in the country, and this is a very good thing. Dual vocalists J Hurley and Ben Marvin bounce around the stage like court jesters, daring the crowd to join in the fun. Guitarist Timfy James is the understated hero on vocals though, as he holds a solid note during Hate for an incredible length. As this all transpires, at the front of the stage there’s an elderly gentleman—surely past his Diamond Jubilee—and he’s popping pictures off through his digital camera. Whatever his story, it’s a testament to the band’s ability to pull every demographic into a frenzied pogo with a single djent strum.

Hacktivist // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Although the sweat pouring from brows already would say otherwise, apparently we haven’t even started the party yet according to Hurley. As he downs a shoey, he’s prepared to back his words with immediate action. No surprise then that N*ggas In Paris follows, and it still hasn’t lost its impact years after the novelty has worn off. Enter Shikari guitarist Rory Clewlow jumps on for a guest spot during Elevate, eliciting cheers from the crowd who clearly have one band on their mind as Hacktivist close out their set.

Enter Shikari // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Full disclosure: I am going into this one blind. I avoided all footage of Enter Shikari’s recent shows—and missing their previous tour here—which means that the experience is an entirely fresh one. As the crowd chant the decade old line “And still we will be here standing like statues”, it’s hard not to feel a rush of anticipation. With unanimous praise from what seems like every international media outlet, they’ve built high expectations.

Shikari are quite simply one of the best live acts in the world. Not just now, but of all time.

It’s the right decision to avoid spoilers it seems because Shikari are quite simply one of the best live acts in the world. Not just now, but of all time. The band have made sure that every song has its own unique theme so there’s no predictive possibilities. Imagery of space and evolution flash across the giant screen during The Last Garrison, whilst multiple lights flash fast and hard enough to force crowd members to squint. Where the hell Rou Reynolds is is anyone’s guess, as he’s prone to jumping from mic stand to mic stand while playing guitar and synths.

Enter Shikari // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Bass guitarist Chris Battern leaps into the crowd during The Paddington Frisk and attempts to strum his part in the middle of the pit. The crowd aren’t having that, so they tussle his hair and throw him with hands held high to allow him to play and crowdsurf to safety. According to Reynolds, we’re not even at the rowdy part of the show yet. Bloody hell, the haze of sweat is misting off the hyperactive audience, plus we’ve had him (bizarrely) eating an apple, and a shoey from Battern. We’re not there yet?! Cue The Jester and the singer’s right: every soul on the floor musters up the courage to fly from side to side.

Enter Shikari // Photo: Daniel Anderson

Some poor fan catches Reynolds’ eye during Torn Apart; he stops the show, and the crowd member emerges from the back of the pit with blood streaming in every direction from his nose. There’s a lengthy pause on stage as the band try and determine what their next move is. Deciding to skip to the next song, this is the moment that the Shikari juggernaut and its brilliance comes into focus. Not their finale, where Clewlow grabs a fans phone and guitar slides with its front camera atop the crowd. Nope, even that pales in comparison.

Enter Shikari // Photo: Daniel Anderson

It’s when it only takes a few drumstick clicks for the lights, sound, and band members to jump back on track. No mistakes, just right into their strobe light ‘freeze frame’ portrait like nothing ever happened. It’s not the mark of a great band that they play without things going wrong; even when they do, they make the experience more memorable. We don’t give ratings for live shows here at Hysteria, but a band with the calibre of Enter Shikari blows it away.

Enter Shikari // Photo: Daniel Anderson

ENTER SHIKARI PHOTO GALLERY BY DANIEL ANDERSON