Picture this: It’s a chilly, rain-soaked Thursday evening in Manchester. While some choose for cozy nights in or drinks with friends, I found myself immersed in the electrifying masterclass that was Enter Shikari at the O2 Victoria Warehouse.
The evening began with the vibrant introduction of British singer Noahfinnce, whose pop punk flair immediately captivated the crowd, producing enthusiastic bops and cheers throughout his set. Following suit with runaway energy, Fever 333 took the stage, leaving no doubt from the outset that they were there to rock, and rock they did. Together, these two powerhouse acts set the stage, laying the foundation for an unforgettable night of music.
As Rou Reynolds took the stage solo, delivering a poetic rendition of System, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The energy surged to new heights with the explosive Meltdown, igniting chaos in the warehouse. “We are going hard,” Rou declared, setting the tone for a night of sheer brilliance. With each song, Enter Shikari drew us deeper into their world. From the mesmerising light shows to the bands raw passion, every moment was a visual spectacle. Rou slowed the tempo with a captivating trumpet solo before launching into Jailbreak, a standout track from their latest album, A Kiss for the Whole World. The ensuing laser show was a visual feast, perfectly complementing the pulsating beats of Sssnakepit.
In a venue that homes 3,500 people, everyone danced their heart out and moshed like it was the last night on earth. So, when Rou commanded the crowd to “start to mosh” during The Jester, resistance was futile. And when the iconic strains of Mothership filled the air, it was like stepping back in time to 2006, with every voice raised in unison. I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone had a strained voice the following morning. I sure did.
But this is an Enter Shikari gig, after all. Chaos reigns, and your senses are overloaded. From humble beginnings to selling out areas, Enter Shikari have come a long way since their debut album, Take to the Skies. I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next from the British rock band.
All images and photography: Jack L. Walsh
