#stoptheclockstour2019

For me, the idea of going to a gig at rock city always has me hooked, it is a dark pit of pure emotion and energy that you can't get at any other venue every time I attend a show there. Enter Shikari’s show here on their stop the clock tour this January was definitely no exception to that steadfast rule. 

from the off, the entire venue buzzed like a hive, full of excitement and adrenaline only fueled by every member of the crowd’s pure love for the band. The second shikari’s set started the passion for the music the crowd had was instantly evident, the entire venue drowning out even the lead vocalist Rou Reynolds in their opening song of the set “The Sights”. From that point on the intensity of both the crowd and band itself didn't stop, the fast pace of Rabble Rouser and Gandhi (mate, Gandhi) mixed with the emotional delicate nature of songs such as airfield paired shinrin-yoku which compared to others is also more relaxed in nature, only served to keep the crowd completely on its toes and intrigued to the utmost the entire time.

Personally, my favourite section of the entire show was the ‘quickfire round’ in which the band attempt to play four songs in a minute. This really stirred up some insanity within the venue, pushing the boundaries between intensity and pure danger with the four songs (sorry you're not a winner, the last garrison, ...meltdown, anaesthetist) being some of their most aggressive, fast-paced and most well-known songs. Of course, this stirred the crowd up to the point of insanity which was an amazing sight to see, the volume of the fans singing along to each song was as incredible as the rest of the show at some points even drowning out the entire song with their own voices. I think, for any heavy gig lover, this is a must-see event within shikari’s performance and is something everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime. 

From start to finish, the band had complete control over the crowd and at no point missed a beat technically or in terms of entertaining every single person in the venue. That for me is a feat that I've not seen many bands achieve especially at a completely sold out show. I'm very grateful I got to witness this performance in person and I would not hesitate to see this band again at the first opportunity I have. 

Link to the setlist HERE