Photo: Instagram
Androgynous singer Shamir has been building hype since his debut EP Northtown via Godmode last year.
He since signed to XL Recordings and released his debut album Ratchet worldwide on Monday (18/5). After a rapturously received set at The Great Escape, tonight's is the bands first London gig. There's little room for manoeuvre in packed crowd in this small East London club.
Through a voice changer, Shamir's words are rendered in baritone: "It doesn't matter if you're gay, straight, bi-sexual, or even English" beam out. Though comical about the remark toward the English, the challenging of gender constructs in society is something the band take seriously. In interviews Shamir has been very open about showing disregard for gender and sexuality and has been outspoken about changing archaic ways of thinking.
His confidence to take on society reflects the confidence within himself which translates to his magnetic stage presence and faultless singing. Even in-between songs on this setlist, rather than appearing shy and awkward with his softly spoken voice he's comfortable like he'd speaking to a close friend.
Moreover, his dancing is fully embracing of the beats he and Nick Sylvester - the former music critic who signed him to Godmode and co-wrote eight tracks off Ratchet - has crafted with him in the studio. Sylvester's input means that the singer, who was previously writing only on a guitar, has been opened up to a world of dance music inspired by DFA Records and Chicago house. It gives guts to songs that would be brilliant stripped down too.
This intertwinement of interesting heart-on-sleeve lyrics coupled with the infectiousness of the backing track mixed in with live drums, keys, and backing vocals means Shamir not only has one of the best debuts LPs of the year but a stunning live act.
Shamir played:
1. Intro
2. Vegas
3. In For The Kill
4. On the Regular
5. I Know It's a Good Thing
6. Hot Mess
7. Make A Scene
8. Christmas Card
9. Youth Demons
10. Darker
11. Call It Off
12. Head In The Clouds
