Venue: The Electric Ballroom, Camden
Date: 16 June 2009
Website: www.shinedown.com
MySpace: myspace.com/shinedown
Label: Atlantic Records
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks Exclusive
Well, the Shinedown gig has been and gone, but I thought I should take the time to write something about it.
After hearing Shinedown on CD (especially on "The Sound Of Madness"), I had high hopes for the evening's entertainment at The Electric Ballroom. So, did Shinedown live up to my expectations?
Musically: Shinedown are a band that manage to sound exactly like they do on the CD. Aside from a slightly off note during the solo in "The Sound of Madness" it was almost impossible to separate "Shinedown the live band" from "Shinedown the band I listen to on my shiny stereo". While this does show the band's undeniable talent, it also left me feeling a little bit cold. Perhaps an unexpected song arrangement or cover version could have added a bit more character to the show? With all that said, you can't fault Shinedown on their musicianship and the sound in the venue was pretty much spot on.
The band played a good selection of songs, with the newer stuff getting a seemingly bigger reception from the crowd. It just goes to show that Shinedown are already well on their way to becoming a household name and it looks like this current album could be the one to really propel them into the stratosphere.
The Crowd: Without insulting anybody, this is really where I began to feel disillusioned with the whole thing. The crowd seemed reluctant to move around. This may have just been in the area that I was standing in (and it may have been a result of having lots of people in a relatively small space), but it really did effect the way that I viewed the gig. I wasn't asking for a mosh pit, just an indication that the people there were actually having a good time! I was quite a distance away from the stage, surrounded by people who were content to stand still, while watching a band who sounded exactly like the CD. In my opinion (and, since you're reading this review, I'm guessing that you're interested in it!) the gig lacked any real atmosphere. To top it all off I was apparently laughed at when I decided to headbang to one of the songs. How dare I enjoy myself! I could have saved some money and listened to the album at home.
Don't get me wrong, I still like the band and shall continue to listen to their music, but I can't see myself attending another one of their gigs any time soon. Also, I'd like to point out that not everyone in the crowd lacked a personality (in fact, I can think of several who definitely don't!), but sadly a few (well, quite a few) bad apples can spoil the whole bunch.