As excitement for the highly anticipated This Feeling ‘Alive Tour’ boils toward the surface, an intimate warm up show was held in Camden haunt The Monarch Tues 26th Sept where a night of chaos and triumph ensued. With each band only given a 5-song slot, it was their chance to reveal a taste of what’s to be expected on the tour, and to select the very best of their wildly varied (yet equally blinding) sets.

Newly Sheffield based rioters Blackwaters kicked off the night in their usual fashion of rowdy, explosive accord. Crowd pleasers ‘Fuck Yeah’ and ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ are launched into the packed-out venue at full speed, with punky aggression and force that creates a massive impact. With a Johnny Rotten-esque vocal, frontman Max Tanner knows how to whip a crowd into a complete frenzy, and has them eating out of the palm of his hands.

Up next are Doncaster trio Bang Bang Romeo, who brought soul, grandeur and blistering emotion to the ramped-up audience. Latest single ‘Natural Born Astronaut’ glistened around the room and filled the hearts of everyone in attendance. Frontwoman Anastasia Walker possesses that kind of raw vocal ability that makes you take a step back and revaluate just how untalented you actually are. Simply astonishing.

Finally, The Shimmer Band take to the stage to close the night. The Shimmer Band never fail to create an immense wall of sound with their euphoric and anthemic numbers that could easily fill out stadiums. Show-closer ‘Shoot Me Baby’ and crowd favourite ‘Freedom’ have every single person in the room joining together and dancing – the atmosphere is beautiful.

Crowd reactions from all 3 bands that have played prove that what has occurred here tonight has been special, and the Alive Tour is sure to kickstart the much-needed movement in the industry. This Feeling already has a solid history of bringing the best new bands to the forefront, and in the most organic and honest way – pure hard work and talent. Blackwaters, Bang Bang Romeo and The Shimmer Band have all rocked the underground and festival circuit a number of times over and to exceptional response, and have all more than earned their place on this monstrous tour, ditto the 12 local supports, all brilliant and complement this tour and its spirit perfectly. It’s gonna be some party…

Words + Photos: Katie Willoughby

The Shimmer Band, BANG BANG ROMEO, BlackWaters + special guests in each city…

Oct 1 Thekla Bristol w/ YVES
Oct 2 Glee Club Cardiff w/ Chapel Row
Oct 3 O2 Institute Birmingham 3 w/ The Assist
Oct 5 Fibbers: Live Music Venue w/ SHEAFS
Oct 6 O2 ABC Glasgow 2 w/ Vida
Oct 8 Manchester Academy Club w/ Proletariat.
Oct 9 The Wardrobe Leeds w/ The Strawberries
Oct 10 Hull FRüIT w/ Mint
Oct 11 Glee Club Nottingham w/ The Ruffs
Oct 13 Sheffield Plug w/ Liberty Ship
Oct 14 London Electric Ballroom w/ Paves
Oct 15 Brighton Patterns w/ SONS

Tickets: http://www.thisfeeling.co.uk