Live Review: Enter Shikari - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
15th April 2023
Support: Tokky Horror, Higher Power
Words & Photos: Damian John
Enter Shikari, the UK's very own electro tinged rockers are back at KK's Steel Mill Wolverhampton for the final night of their three show residency. Not ones to follow trends or adopt the norm, they've set up shop in five major cities and have put on a series of shows each time adapting their sets and performances. Only time will tell what we're in-store for tonight but first our openers of the evening; Tokky Horror.
Opening act Tokky Horror wasted no time getting the crowd pumped up with their high-energy set, which blended elements of punk, techno, and industrial rock. Frontwoman Mollie Rush jumped into the photo pit, running up and down while screaming into the mic, often jumping onto the barrier to get even closer to the crowd. They filled the room with positive vibes between songs reminding us all to take care of our mates on a night out while also showing support for the recently deceased Paul O’Grady as well as the wider LGBTQ community. As the set continued, Tokky Horror's standout tracks like 'Simulate Me' and 'Godliness' kept the energy high and the crowd engaged, throwing in a cheeky medley of ‘My Humps’ by the Black Eyed Peas and ‘WAP’ by Cardi B , setting the stage for what was to come.
Next up was Higher Power, who brought their unique blend of hardcore punk and metal to little old Wolverhampton. The band's raw energy and powerful vocals kept the crowd locked onto the stage, with bassist Ethan Wilkinson jumping around getting the crowd amped up. During their second track ‘Second Skin’ a crowdsurfer made their way over the barrier - the first of many to come as vocalist Jimmy Wizard did his best to rile up the audience, inciting mosh pits and plenty of jumping during ‘Staring At The Sun’. Higher Power's standout tracks like 'Rewire 101'' and 'Low Season' were real highlights of the evening, with the band's raw energy and powerful stage presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
But the night belonged to headliners Enter Shikari, who took to the stage to a rapturous reception from the crowd. The band had an impressive yet quite simple stage setup consisting of light tubes spanning across the entire stage, all timed to the music. Rob Rolfe’s drumkit sitting dead centre with Rou’s iconic keyboard sitting to the side. Opening their set with the explosive 'Pls Set Me on Fire', which immediately got the crowd into gear they almost counter intuitively followed with an acapella rendition of ‘System’ to slow things down before immediately ramping things up once again with ‘Meltdown’.
Frontman Rou Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with, commanding the stage with his dynamic vocals and high-octane energy, his skills as a multi-instrumentalist coming into play as he skilfully turned his microphone into a maraca. I don’t think that was the desired effect however bassist Chris Batten saw it as a two birds one stone scenario and a potential business idea. They had one of the best light shows I’ve seen in a long time with lasers shooting above the audience's heads but used sparingly enough to ensure they didn’t lose the desired effect. The band's unique blend of punk, electronic, and metal was on full display, and the crowd responded in kind, moshing and jumping along to every beat with their fists in the air involuntarily losing their shit during Enter Shikari’s absolute classic ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’.
Enter Shikari delivered a truly unforgettable performance, cementing their status as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in modern rock. It's a real shame that their residency has to come to an end but what a ride it’s been. The support acts, Tokky Horror and Higher Power, brought their A-games, making this a concert that fans will be talking about for years to come.
All photo credits: Damian John Photography
