SHURIKEN SPARK UP THEIR UK TOUR Report by Dominic Bonner.
THE showcase of the latest young bands to arrive at Liverpool on February 26 at the Brewery and in recent times have shown a strength and depth that has been unparalleled since the Eric’s scene back in the Eighties. But on this occasion, some outside competition proved equally that the vital record deal is up for grabs.
Shuriken from Lincolnshire arrived with a purpose of reminding Liverpool that the death of punk is nothing short of a myth. The resurgence of bands such as Blink 182 and the Manic Street Preachers may have gained popularity that has typified this genre over the last few years. But hot on their heels with a seemingly endless UK tour, this four-piece ride a similar formula that proves that a full on sound really is a way forward that has no need for hindsight from former punk days.
Often bands that open up a night’s entertainment serve only to be fodder in place to warm up the real bulletproof sound of a band to take the place on stage later on. But this punk/indie guitar outfit showed the armour was firmly on their seven-song set on the day.
Musically their sound is a mix of former Ipswich band and John Peel favourite John Peel, The Stupids, with touches of the aforementioned Blink 182. Particularly, with songs such as Arch nemesis and Omega red from their single ‘Surrender is not an option’, which showed a power display of raw guitar and warlike drums.
The only criticisms of this band that could be mentioned is that of the limited vocal range of Tarquin Deluxe, who appears to hasten the lyrics rather than concentrate on a vocal charm that could lure their audience to a greater height. The overstated American punk sound that Shuriken have adopted also leaves a question about their originality.
But these are only minor points. This band’s bold and professional performance is an essential platform that deserves praise for stepping onto unfamiliar turf and growing in stature from a bland an average punk band to twist a power play that seduces with each song - An inspirational breath of fresh air.
