Music / 60s
Review: The Shimmer Band, Thekla
As I enter the recently-refurbished Thekla, I am greeted by a sea of Shimmer Band t-shirts. The boys have a pretty decent following here, but I’m chuffed to see they had managed to pack a venue which some global acts have failed to do – especially on a Sunday night.
Following Bang Bang Romeo, an awesomely atmospheric band who don’t suffer a small audience, The Shimmer lads walk onto a dark stage and threw us straight into a finely-honed and instantly identifiable sound.
Tom Newman exudes the type of arrogance you’d expect from a frontman with his talent, and he gives a healthy nod towards a certain Gallagher brother in his stance and stage presence. The Shimmer Band have never changed their sound to suit anyone but themselves in the years they have been together and their sound really does smack of the 90s.
is needed now More than ever
Sunkick is a tune thrown into the centre of their set, which comes as a surprise as it is hedonistically anthemic. It gives Will Hatcher a chance to show off on drums which is always a complete and utter joy to observe. Guitarist Babsys backing vocals are always spot on and have the entire place singing along with him.
Freedom, which was written by their bass player Tom Kuras, boasts an incredible display of skill from keys player Tom Smith. If you haven’t caught any of their music video releases then have a gander – they don’t quite portray the slick, punchy energy you get from the live shows but they do fittingly portray the psychedelic undertones of the 60s which have quite clearly influenced the bands writing (and hair).
A couple of Shimmer virgins stood near me only had one complaint – how short the set was. Surely this is a good thing – if a complete stranger wants to see and hear more of a band, they must be doing something exciting. They leave Bristol itching for more, which for an unsigned band, its a pretty mean feat. Up the Shimmer!
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