Kula Shaker at Wilton’s Music Hall

British rock music has been in something of a slump in recent years, with its once untouchable seat at the top of the charts now repeatedly being filled by the superstars of pop, R&B and hip-hop. No need to panic though as, whilst very few new bands are taking up the mantle, the successful instrumentalists of the 90s are happily taking up the slack. Step forward Kula Shaker, who took the 300 or so fans assembled at Wilton’s Music Hall on a psychedelic rock adventure last night.

The surroundings could not have been more perfect, with the intimate venue bedecked in fairy lights seemingly designed by Kula Shaker themselves. As the feedback began to reverb around the auditorium, Crispian Mills and co begin to shuffle on-stage, Mills himself resembling a somewhat awkward mix between Paul Weller and Austin Powers. Set openers Sound of Drums and Hurry on Sundown were pleasant enough, although perhaps sounded a little dated. Kula Shaker can’t build an atmosphere immediately, and nor did the crowd expect them to, but before long Grateful (When You’re Dead) gave the assembled crowd what they wanted. With the cobwebs duly dusted off, this was Kula Shaker at their best, unleashing all of Crispian’s guitar talents, which seemed to carry the crowd elsewhere.

The assembled audience clearly came to hear the hits, and Kula Shaker were more than happy to oblige. Classics from their multi-platinum debut K. were littered throughout, with 303 being a particular crowd pleaser. Despite their early stumble, Kula Shaker were convincing overall, wantonly crafting sonic landscapes that seemed to get better and better. 19 or so songs and they reached the end, but not before saving the best for last, as Govinda was unleashed upon the fixated audience.

Music has the power to make people feel young again, and that’s what Kula Shaker easily achieved last night. 40-year-old men and women were transported to their psychedelic youths, and for a brief moment in Wilton’s Music Hall it was 1996 all over again. Despite their advancing years, Kula Shaker have still got it, and with barely any competition likely to appear, chances are they will be sticking around for some years yet.

James Fisher
Photo: Chris Boland

For further information on Kula Shaker and future events visit here

Watch the video for Govinda here: