SHIMMER SOUNDS 2018 | LIVE REVIEW
Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 17 Nov
It’s 4.30pm and the doors of Cardiff’s Tramshed are open, introducing the inaugural day-long festival, Shimmer Sounds. It’s set to be a big one, with a mix of both established indie names and local Welsh talents. Kicking off in the more intimate of the two rooms are Cardiff’s Al Moses, who have shown great progression since their formation this time last year. The band receive a warm welcome, with debut single I Want More appearing to be known by a few crowd members. Their appearance at Shimmer Sounds is prior to their biggest show yet in Clwb Ifor Bach, which they are not afraid to promote during their set.
Himalayas [above] have been going from strength to strength recently, and it’s no surprise to see them on the Shimmer Sounds lineup, after their massive Saturday headline slot at Cardiff’s Hoyfest. Opening Tramshed’s main room, they deliver a solid set including the usual hits such as debut single Thank God I’m Not You – eight million streams on Spotify, according to lead vocalist Joseph Williams. New song The Masquerade grabs attention with an eerie backbeat, heavy guitars and bold vocals from Mike Griffiths while Williams climbs over the barrier into the crowd, guitar still in hand.
A last-minute addition after The Night Café had to pull out, Leeds’ Marsicans [above] are worthy of filling the spot. Fun indiepop with songs such as Throw Ourselves In, the audience can’t help but join in, the boys’ dancing infectious. The set is closed on a slow note with a ballad, Absence.
After their Sunday headline slot at Hoyfest, London-based Anteros [below] are welcomed back to Wales’ capital. Frontwoman Laura Hayden exudes confidence and struts the stage in her dainty heeled boots, fitting for a cover of Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made For Walking. The faster Cherry Drop has the crowd bouncing in response, while an uplifting moment mid-set sees Hayden at the barrier addressing her message to the crowd: “This song is for women cause I’m sick of being told how to look, what to wear. Normally I have girls up on stage but today I’m going to come down and dance with you!”
A friend of Anteros’ singer, Natassja Shiner kicks it up a notch with her band Fickle Friends [below]. The lights are dimmed for a dramatic entrance, Shiner running on stage with an energy which remains throughout. With their debut album You Are Someone Else released in March of this year, Fickle Friends’ material is new and fresh, yet sung back to them by the crowd. “You’re always up for it, aren’t you Cardiff?” – Natti knows the score. Taking a moment to explain the personal importance of Hard To Be Myself, a song tackling mental health issues, the band cut loose with a group dance, surrounding drummer Sam Morris during Love Sick. “Happy Saturday night everyone!” Natti beams: Fickle Friends’ Cry Baby, Say No More and set closer Glue ensure attendees have that.
Last in Cardiff on this same stage, for 2017’s Swn Festival, Peace [top] have changed a little since then: vocalist Harry Koisser has had a haircut and the band have released a third studio album, Kindness Is The New Rock And Roll. Opening with the mostly instrumental 1998 (Delicious), there’s no introduction needed: Peace go in full force with new song Power and old favourites Bloodshake and Lost On Me. California Daze, from their debut album, slows things down but is appreciated just as much, or maybe more; phones, and even an occasional lighter, are out for fresh new ballad, From Under Liquid Glass, again addressing mental health issues.
There are running jokes from the fandom: Koisser asks “Any requests?” and fans reply “1998!” (it’s always sought after, it would appear). A less likely shout for The Police’s Roxanne is rewarded with the famous verse. World Pleasure, says Koisser in response to another request, hasn’t been played live “for like 15 years,” (NB: it was released in 2014). As expected, though, Peace end their headline set with Lovesick, never failing to send the crowd wild.
As we disperse, Peace’s incredible set is summarised thus: “There’s nothing to it, nothing fancy, just guys and their guitars with such massive energy.” That says it all, really. The first Shimmer Sounds has been one to remember and with the day festival producing such a strong lineup for under £20, it bodes well for years to come.
words and photos AMY FARRER