Roughton Reynolds, Enter Shikari

Enter Shikari

with Haste the Day

October 6, 2010
Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Review by Kelly O'Connell
Photos by Ace Noguera

I pulled up to Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale for the Enter Shikari show a bit after six. Even though the doors didn't open until seven, a long line of South Florida's most dedicated hardcore fans snaked around the venue. Finally inside, I watched as people slowly wondered around, bought drinks and mingled with fellow fans. The more people pushed into the courtyard, the louder and more animated everyone became. Soon the crowd made their way towards the stage, watching the roadies finish setting up, hoping the opening act would be more exciting.

Andrea Dell'Osa, bass, MsWhite

Finally, Ms White stepped on stage and just like a light switch, the night was on. The music brought the crowd to life as the heavy bass reverberated through all the bodies in the room and most could not resist the urge to dance. I'm no fan of screamo rock, so their sound took some getting used to, but those who showed up to see this brand of music thoroughly enjoyed Ms White.

The British band had the room buzzing like The Beatles. People danced, waving their hands in the air, singing along to each lyric and running around the pit like mad.

Kellin Quinn, vocalist of Sleeping with Sirens

Next opener, Sleeping With Sirens, captivated the audience with a larger than life stage presence. I loved watching them for the first time. Everyone attending the show left a Sleeping With Sirens fan. The audience sang along with the band and most girls' hearts were pounding for Kellin Quinn, the attractive emo lead singer. I even felt a little flutter every time he hit a particularly emotional note. Kellin possesses a very unique, high octave voice that really sets the band apart. He has a carefree, witty stage presence, and happens to make a great beat boxer when there are technical difficulties on stage. The band put a smile on my face and I felt heartbroken when they left the stage. The band did what every opening act should: leave the room pumped.

Stephen Keech, Haste the Day

For being the most popular opening band, Haste The Day had the least stage presence. While fans still sang along with the lyrics, Haste The Day generally failed in connecting with the crowd. The band dressed all in black, and their appearance reflected their overall vibe. I wasn’t too impressed with their screaming vocals as I couldn’t make out much of the lyrics. They nearly wiped the smile off my face left from Sleeping With Sirens.

Roughton Reynolds, vocals, Enter Shikari

A brief intermission between the openers and the headliner served to air-out the hot, sweaty, pungent stage area and give Enter Shikari's roadies ample time to set up. Finally the band the night was dedicated to, Enter Shikari, took the stage. The British band had the room buzzing like The Beatles. People danced, waving their hands in the air, singing along to each lyric and running around the pit like mad. I loved the bands unique take on crossover rock and trance. The lead vocalist, Roughton "Rou" Reynolds, crowd surfed while guitarist, Liam "Rory" Clewlow, flipped into the crowd. Liam even managed to climb a set of speakers over 20 feet above the fans, serenading everyone below. Ladies loved the music and British accents, one girl even threw her panties on stage. No one wanted the night to end, screaming “One more song!” repeatedly until Shikari came back and played an encore.

Were you there? MySpace Us
Shoot Kelly and Ace a line: writers@outloud.com